An additional 100 seats have been allocated for students in the visitors' gallery of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) to enable them to directly observe parliamentary proceedings, reports BSS.
The decision was approved by the Jatiya Sangsad Speaker following a demi-official (DO) letter sent by Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon, said an Education Ministry press release on Friday.
In the DO letter, the Education Minister said in a democratic system, the Jatiya Sangsad reflects the sovereign will of the people and serves as the highest law-making body of the state.
He stressed the importance of giving students a clearer understanding of parliamentary democracy and state policymaking processes.
"Beyond theoretical knowledge from textbooks, directly observing parliamentary activities can play an effective role in fostering patriotism and a sense of civic responsibility among students," he said.
The letter also noted that of the 448 seats in the parliament's visitors' gallery, only 50 are currently reserved for children under 12. With the addition of 100 seats for students, a total of 150 learners will now be able to observe parliamentary sessions and gain practical exposure to the democratic process.
Following the Speaker's approval, students from across the country will be able to attend sessions in the expanded allocation.
On the initiative, Dr Milon said, "Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman used to take students on river tours so that they could learn about the country's resources and potential. As education minister, I also want the present generation (Gen Z) to understand the state and become politically aware."
Welcoming the decision, Jatiya Sangsad Secretary Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan said visiting students would receive detailed briefings on parliamentary procedures before sessions begin, helping them better understand the institution's history, architecture and functions.
