Strong, Effective Democracy Essential for Sustainable Progress: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said a strong and effective democratic system is essential to ensuring Bangladesh’s sustainable development and progress, reaffirming his government’s commitment to strengthening democracy.

“People have high expectations from democracy. We believe sustainable progress and development can be ensured only through an effective and strong democratic system,” he said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary General Anda Filip at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat. PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin briefed reporters on the meeting.

Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh had restored democracy after a prolonged struggle, expressing satisfaction that the democratic process had finally been revived.

He said many BNP leaders and activists had faced enforced disappearances, killings and false cases during the struggle for democracy. He added that the February 12 election helped facilitate the restoration of the country’s democratic process.

The Prime Minister said the BNP had played a role not only in restoring multiparty democracy but also in establishing parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh.

“There are still some challenges ahead, but we remain optimistic and firmly committed to democracy,” he said.

He said his government was working to safeguard the constitutional rights of all citizens and ensure essential public services.

Tarique Rahman also highlighted women’s empowerment as a key government priority. He said plans were underway to provide free education for women up to the honours level and introduce stipends for female students.

He said the ‘Family Card’ programme aims to promote women’s financial independence and strengthen their role in family decision-making.

Anda Filip praised Tarique Rahman’s leadership, saying his regular participation in Jatiya Sangsad sessions demonstrates a strong commitment to parliamentary democracy. She also praised initiatives outlined in the BNP’s election manifesto, particularly those related to education and community-based programmes.

Filip said Bangladesh’s progress in parliamentary democracy could help strengthen public confidence in state institutions and the democratic system. She expressed the IPU’s interest in expanding experience-sharing and cooperation with the Bangladesh Parliament.

She also expressed hope that the Jatiya Sangsad Speaker’s participation in the 153rd IPU Assembly in Tanzania would further strengthen relations between the IPU and Bangladesh Parliament.

The IPU Secretary General stressed that greater civic awareness would be crucial to making democracy more effective and sustainable.

Women’s empowerment was also discussed during the meeting. Sharing her experience of meeting young and women lawmakers, Filip described them as energetic and enthusiastic.

State Ministers for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Shama Obaed Islam were also present at the meeting.