Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday directed the BNP’s Members of Parliament (MPs) from women’s reserved seats to prepare themselves to play an effective role in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS).

He came up with the directive while addressing a meeting with the newly elected women MPs at the Public Administration Hall of the Cabinet Division in Bangladesh Secretariat, said a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing.

Tarique Rahman holds meeting with BNP leaders in Chandpur

Tarique Rahman, also the Chairman of the ruling BNP, said the women MPs must enrich themselves with information and have a clear understanding of parliamentary rules and procedures to become skilled lawmakers.

He also instructed them to remain careful and responsible while speaking in Parliament.

The Prime Minister asked the lawmakers to stay alert so that no one can mislead people through the misinterpretation of religion.

He also stressed the need for increasing public engagement in their respective constituencies. “People suffered from a kind of mental distress for 17 years. They could not speak freely. After the BNP government assumed office, people are now enjoying all democratic rights,” he said.

During the meeting, the women MPs shared their views on parliamentary activities, the current political situation and implementation of the government’s election pledges.

All 36 BNP women MPs were present at the meeting, with 17 of them delivering speeches.

Of the 350 seats in Parliament, 50 are reserved for women. BNP secured 36 of those seats.

Talking to UNB, Arifa Sultana Ruma, MP, said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told them that the party will provide training on parliamentary procedures before the second session of the 13th Parliament begins.

She said Tarique Rahman also urged them to strengthen their engagement with people in their respective areas and actively promote the party’s ideals and activities at the grassroots level.

BNP Secretary General, and Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and party’s Senior Joint Secretary General, and Prime Minister’s Political and Agriculture Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi were present at the meeting.