Anda Filip, Secretary General of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) met Shama Obaed Islam, MP, State Minister for Foreign Affairs at her office today.
The State Minister welcomed Ms. Filip and congratulated her on becoming the first woman Secretary General of the IPU in its 13-decade history. She appreciated the IPU’s longstanding role in promoting parliamentary democracy, peace, human rights and inter-parliamentary cooperation.
State Minister Shama Obaed briefed her on the Government’s efforts to restore democracy and democratic institutions, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive governance and accountability. She also discussed the growing challenges of digital harassment, misinformation and disinformation, particularly against women and girls and called for stronger parliamentary cooperation to promote digital safety.
Referring to the untenable situation arising from the Rohingya crisis, the State Minister called for stronger global parliamentary advocacy to sustain international attention and ensure the early repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar.
The IPU Secretary General welcomed the initiatives undertaken by the present Government to strengthen democratic institutions. She reaffirmed her commitment to deepening cooperation between Bangladesh and the IPU through parliamentary exchanges, experience sharing and capacity building to further advance democratic practices.
