TBM Report ||
A high-level delegation led by Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary General Ms. Anda Filip called on the Speaker of the Bangladesh National Parliament, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikrom, MP, at his office on Monday, August 31, 2026. The bilateral meeting focused on strengthening parliamentary democracy, expanding parliamentary diplomacy, and reviewing Bangladesh’s active engagements within United Nations bodies.
Welcoming the delegation, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad highlighted the democratic resilience of the Bangladeshi people. He noted that citizens have repeatedly made supreme sacrifices to uphold their voting rights, starting from the 1971 War of Liberation. He emphasized that the people of Bangladesh have consistently rejected authoritarian rule throughout the nation’s history.
Reflecting on Bangladesh’s political trajectory, the Speaker remarked that achieving true democracy remained complex even after the 1971 victory. He stated that multi-party democracy was later re-established under the leadership of the late President Ziaur Rahman, who earned widespread popular support.
Critiquing recent political history, the Speaker characterized the national elections of 2008, 2014, 2018, and 2024 as flawed exercises that eroded public trust. He noted that the 2024 mass uprising led by students and citizens successfully ended autocratic governance. Describing the latest national elections as transparent, competitive, and fair, he affirmed that the 13th National Parliament is now actively representing public aspirations.
In response, IPU Secretary General Ms. Anda Filip commended the restoration of democratic norms in Bangladesh. She stressed that structural and constitutional reforms are vital to ensuring accountability for future generations. She added that building a transparent and credible parliament remains essential for sustaining public confidence.
The discussions also covered Bangladesh’s constructive role in United Nations agencies, the successful resolution of international maritime boundary disputes, and institutional capacity building. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, MP, Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam, MP, along with senior officials from the Parliament Secretariat, were present during the call.
 Secretary General Ms. Anda Filip called on the Speaker of the Bangladesh National Parliament, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikrom, MP, at his office on Monday, August 31, 2026. The bilateral meeting focused on strengthening parliamentary democracy, expanding parliamentary diplomacy, and reviewing Bangladesh's active engagements within United Nations bodies.){kind=link}