Get ready to play effective role in JS

Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman directed the BNP's members of parliament (MPs) from women's reserved seats to prepare themselves to play an effective role in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS), reports UNB.

He came up with the directive while addressing a meeting with the newly-elected women MPs at the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday, said a release issued by the PM's Press Wing.

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman also said the women MPs must enrich themselves with information and have a clear understanding of parliamentary rules and procedures to become skilled lawmakers.

He also instructed them to remain careful and responsible while speaking at the JS as well as to stay alert so that no one can mislead people through the misinterpretation of religion.

"People suffered from a kind of mental distress for 17 years. They could not speak freely. After the BNP government assumed office, people are now enjoying all democratic rights," the PM added.

During the meeting, the women MPs shared their views on parliamentary activities, the current political situation, and implementation of the government's election pledges.

BNP's all 36 women MPs were present at the meeting, and 17 of them delivered speeches. Of the 350 seats in the JS, 50 are reserved for women. BNP secured 36 of those seats.

Arifa Sultana Ruma, MP, said the PM told them that the party would provide training on parliamentary procedures before the second session of the 13th JS begins.

Tarique Rahman also urged them to strengthen their engagement with people in their respective areas and actively promote the party's ideals and activities at the grassroots level, she added.

BNP Secretary General, and Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir; and Senior Joint Secretary General, and Prime Minister's Political and Agriculture Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi were also present at the meeting.