The opening ceremony was attended by Hon’ble Speaker of Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, MP; Hon’ble Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaysar Kamal, MP; Hon’ble Leader of the Opposition Dr. Md. Shafiqur Rahman, MP; Hon’ble Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, MP; Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Reto Renggli; UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller; and senior officials of the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat.

Addressing the inaugural session, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram emphasized the importance of public confidence in democratic institutions.

“The dignity of Parliament does not depend solely on its constitutional authority; it also depends on the trust of the people.”

He further noted that a sound understanding of parliamentary procedures is essential for Members to effectively fulfil their constitutional responsibilities.

“Rules of Procedure are not merely administrative formalities; they are essential tools for carrying out parliamentary responsibilities. Understanding these rules is critical for making informed proposals and effectively reviewing legislation.

Speaking at the event, Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, highlighted the significance of the programme at a time when nearly three out of four Members of Parliament are serving as elected legislators for the first time.

“This orientation programme comes at an important and opportune moment—not simply as an introduction to procedure, but as an investment in parliamentary leadership.”

He underscored that effective parliamentary practice is rooted in constructive dialogue, accountability, and democratic engagement.

“The essence of parliamentary democracy is not the absence of disagreement, but the ability to transform disagreement into deliberation in service of a common national purpose.”

Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Reto Renggli reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to supporting democratic institutions and accountable governance in Bangladesh.

“Democracy does not end with elections. It is strengthened every day through accountable governance, effective institutions, and a Parliament that responds to the needs and aspirations of its citizens.”

Throughout the two-day programme, Members participated in interactive sessions covering Parliament and its institutional role, Rules of Procedure, notices and motions, amendments, voting procedures, parliamentary questions, executive accountability, committee systems, petitions, citizen engagement, legislative processes, and budget scrutiny.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni led discussions on Parliament, Rules of Procedure, and institutional responsibilities, while Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaysar Kamal facilitated sessions on notices, motions, amendments, voting procedures, parliamentary questions, and executive accountability. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram led discussions on parliamentary committees, oversight mechanisms, and petitions.

Sessions on citizen engagement in parliamentary activities were facilitated by Whip A. B. M. Ashraf Uddin Nizan on the first day and Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu on the second day. Discussions on legislative processes and budget matters were led by Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on the first day and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman on the second day.

The orientation programme forms part of broader efforts to strengthen parliamentary effectiveness, accountability, transparency and citizen-centred governance. By enhancing Members’ understanding of parliamentary procedures and institutional responsibilities, the initiative contributes to building a more responsive and effective Parliament capable of addressing citizens’ priorities and strengthening public trust in democratic institutions.

For nearly three decades, UNDP has partnered with the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat to strengthen Parliament’s legislative, oversight, and representative functions. Through successive parliamentary terms, this partnership has supported institutional capacity development, research, committee strengthening, digital transformation, and orientation programmes for Members of Parliament and Secretariat officials.

Looking ahead, UNDP remains committed to supporting the Bangladesh Parliament through knowledge exchange, parliamentary modernization, digital transformation, citizen engagement, inter-parliamentary cooperation and institutional innovation, helping build a Parliament that is more effective, inclusive, and responsive to the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh.