CPA can play vital role in ensuring sustainable development: Speaker

Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury said that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) could play a significant role in strengthening democracy and thus ensuring sustainable development for CPA member states, reports UNB.
"It's possible to play a vital role for sustainable development and strengthening democracy, good governance and the rule of law through CPA," Dr Shirin made the comments while addressing the CPA General Assembly held in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon Thursday last.
Dr Shirin, newly-elected chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee, expressed her determination to work for the welfare of the common people of CPA member states through ensuring wider engagement between the CPA and global multilateral issues at this age of globalisation.
She said the parliament members of the CPA member states have the scope to play a special role in removing poverty, attaining self-sufficiency in food, reducing maternal and child mortality rate, ensuring gender equality, preventing violence against women, minimising disaster risk and better adaptation with climate change.
Dr Shirin expressed her hope to work with the lawmakers on various issues, according to a media release issued by the Parliament Secretariat in Dhaka Friday.
At this age of globalisation, many new challenges are emerging, she said adding that newer ways will have to be found out to overcome those challenges. "CPA could play a significant role to that end."
Earlier, Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin was elected Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee defeating her lone rival Juliana O'Connor-Connoly, Speaker of legislative assembly of Cayman Islands, by three votes.
Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Mia and Chief Whip ASM Feroz congratulated the Speaker for the success.