Desk Report:
Barrister Kaiser Kamal MP, Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament of Bangladesh, said that members of the National Parliament must play a more effective and public-engaged role in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the commitments of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). To this end, the knowledge and experience acquired should be utilized in their respective constituencies and the people should be involved.
He said these things in his speech as the president at the awareness workshop titled ‘Parliament’s Role in Realising SDGs and ICPD Commitments’ held at the National Parliament on Sunday (July 12, 2026). At the beginning of his speech, the Deputy Speaker expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Acting President of Bangladesh and former Speaker Barrister Zamir Uddin Sarkar. He prayed for the forgiveness of the departed soul and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.
The Deputy Speaker said that he is participating in today’s workshop not only as a Deputy Speaker but also as a Member of Parliament. He said that the workshop should not be limited to formalities and the topics discussed should be transformed into a real action plan.
He said that the role of members of parliament is very important in women’s empowerment, prevention of gender-based violence, prevention of child marriage and combating the adverse effects of climate change. As public representatives, it is possible to bring about positive changes in these areas by creating awareness in their respective constituencies, involving local institutions and taking effective initiatives.
The Deputy Speaker said that students, guardians and local people can be made aware of the ill effects of child marriage through awareness programs based on educational institutions. At the same time, he emphasized on taking joint initiatives to prevent gender-based violence and establish equality between women and men.
He also said that local reality-based plans should be taken to address the impact of climate change on healthcare, environment and livelihoods in coastal and haor regions. He called on all concerned to work together to solve various problems including excessive rainfall, floods, waterlogging, siltation in rivers and haors.
The Deputy Speaker urged the members of parliament to identify the problems of their respective constituencies and inform them about the relevant projects. He said that it is possible to involve the youth in preventing child marriage and increasing climate tolerance through school-based mass awareness programs. The direct participation of the members of parliament will make these initiatives more effective.
He expressed the hope that by implementing the recommendations of the workshop, the role of the National Parliament in implementing the SDGs and ICPD commitments will be further strengthened and the people will benefit from it.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram MP was the chief guest, Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam Moni MP was the special guest and Barrister Md. Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan, Secretary of the Parliament Secretariat, delivered the welcome address.
Whips, members of parliament, representatives of UNFPA, and relevant officials and employees of the Bangladesh National Parliament Secretariat were present at the time.
