Deputy Speaker Seeks UNDP Support for E-Parliament

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal on Sunday sought technical and financial assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement an e-Parliament initiative and strengthen Bangladesh's parliamentary institutions.

He made the request during a courtesy meeting with a UNDP delegation led by Deputy Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, according to a press release.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed Bangladesh's parliamentary democracy and explored ways to strengthen legislative functions and parliamentary practices.

Kayser Kamal said the present government is giving the highest priority to the education and health sectors, adding that laws must be updated regularly to reflect changing societal needs and ensure effective governance.

The Deputy Speaker welcomed UNDP's proposal to introduce a parliamentary fellowship or internship programme that would allow recent graduates to work at the Parliament Library and gain practical knowledge of parliamentary affairs.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring that future parliamentary projects complement, rather than duplicate, initiatives already being implemented by the European Union and other development partners.

Seeking support for the proposed e-Parliament initiative, Kayser Kamal expressed hope that UNDP would provide both technical expertise and financial assistance to modernise parliamentary operations and improve institutional efficiency.

The meeting also discussed opportunities for experience-sharing between the parliaments of Bangladesh and Nepal. The Deputy Speaker endorsed the proposal, saying such exchanges could help strengthen parliamentary practices in both countries.

He further underscored the need to enact the necessary legislation to make parliamentary standing committees more effective and welcomed UNDP's initiative to organise orientation programmes for members of parliament to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).