A delegation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), led by its Secretary General Anda Filip, held a meeting with Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr Md Shafiqur Rahman on Monday.

According to a press release issued by the public relations wing of Bangladesh National Parliament Secretariat, the meeting took place at the Leader of the Opposition’s office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, where both sides discussed ways to make the parliament more effective and turn it into the focal point for all crucial dialogues.

IPU is a global organization of national parliaments that promotes peace, democracy and sustainable development across the world.

During the meeting, Dr Shafiqur stressed the opposition's vital role in strengthening parliamentary democracy and the importance of fair participation between the ruling and opposition parties in the House.

Both sides underscored the necessity of continuing regular dialogues and discussions between lawmakers of the ruling and opposition benches on key national and international issues.

Discussions also focused on the need for improving the dynamism of parliamentary committees and increasing the active participation of young Members of Parliament, these are among the IPU's key priorities.

The IPU Secretary General assured continued overall support from the organization in the journey of Bangladesh’s parliamentary democracy.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties expressed optimism about maintaining mutual cooperation and communication in the days ahead.

IPU Program Officer Roberto Rodriguez Valencia and Senior Expert Herieno A Anggoro accompanied the Secretary General during the meeting.

Among others, Barrister Nazibur Rahman Momen, MP, Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Leader of the Opposition Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem Arman, MP, member of the Leader of the Opposition's Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee Ali Ahmad Mabrur, and Secretary of the Parliament Secretariat Barrister MD. Golam Sorwar Bhuiyan were present with the Leader of the Opposition.