Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, today said it is the responsibility of the state to eliminate inequalities at every level of society.

“The all-party caucus can work to remove inequalities prevailing at different levels of the country and society,” he said, adding that such initiatives would ensure formal recognition of the contributions of marginalized and disadvantaged people to the country’s development.

The Speaker said these when a delegation, led by Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, convener of Citizens’ Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh and distinguished fellow of Centre for Policy Dialogue, paid a courtesy call on him at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban here today.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on the role of the caucus in ensuring the rights of disadvantaged, underprivileged and marginalized communities to education, healthcare and safe food through implementing political commitments with transparency and accountability, said a press release.

The discussion also focused on providing institutional and technical support for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets related to peace, justice and strong institutions to advance the country’s overall development and uplift backward communities.

At the meeting, the delegation of Citizens’ Platform, Bangladesh congratulated the Speaker on his election to the post and expressed condolences over the recent death of his wife, noted educationist Dilara Hafiz.

Members of the delegation and senior officials of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were present at the meeting.