Ms. Catherine Pollard, the United Nations Under Secretary General for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance, paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury at her office here on Saturday.

During the meeting, they discussed different issues particularly women's empowerment, gender equality, Rohingya issue, parliamentary session and participation of women in peace missions, said a press release.

Read: UN resident coordinator Gwyn Lewis meets Speaker Dr Shirin

The speaker said the constitution of Bangladesh mentioned the equal rights of men and women. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has achieved commendable progress in women empowerment and ensuring gender equality.

"Through the special initiative of Sheikh Hasina , a house is being provided in the joint name of both the husband and wife of a family under the Asharyan Project, as a result of which the rights of women are protected," she added.

Dr Chowdhury said the government is providing cash allowance for pregnant and lactating mothers. The government also arranged widow allowance, old age allowance, disability allowance etc. under the social security net which is also helping to reduce the extreme poverty rate of the country, she mentioned.

Referring to her participation in the 1st meeting of women peacekeeping, the speaker said, Bangladeshi women have been working with efficiency and reputation in UN peacekeeping missions, added the release.

Read: Norwegian envoy meets Speaker Shirin Sharmin

Ms. Catherine acknowledged Bangladesh's longstanding and substantial contribution to UN peacekeeping operations.

She lauded Bangladesh's success in empowering women.

Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, Bangladesh's permanent representative to the United Nations, and the Special Assistant to the Under Secretary General of the United Nations Ms. Daragh Russell and high officials of Parliament secretariat were present.