Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram has said the 13th Jatiya Sangsad is working to strengthen public trust by ensuring a people-oriented governance system.

Dignity of the parliament is not solely rely on its constitutional authority but also on the trust and confidence of the people, he said.

The Speaker was addressing an orientation programme for parliament members on “Constitution, Rules of Procedure and Parliamentary Activities” at the oath-taking room of the parliament here today.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal was in the chair while Secretary of the Parliament Secretariat Barrister Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan gave welcome address, said a press release.

Special guests included Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman.

The Speaker said the parliament functions under the constitution and relevant legal frameworks, and that a clear understanding on the Rules of Procedure helps Members effectively discharge their responsibilities.

He added that the Rules of Procedure are not merely administrative formalities but essential tools for executing parliamentary duties. Knowledge on these rules is necessary for proper submission of motions and scrutiny of bills, he said..

Highlighting the parliament’s core responsibilities, the Speaker said lawmaking, oversight, and ensuring accountability of the executive are central functions carried out by MPs. 

He stressed that the parliament is not only based on political consensus but also depends on constructive participation of both the treasury bench and the opposition in accordance with procedural rules, public engagement and effective legislation.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Embassy of Switzerland under the “Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services (SIPS)” programme, are supporting efforts to enhance parliamentary participation and accountability to meet public expectations.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said the learning programme would provide detailed discussions on the Constitution, Rules of Procedure, and parliamentary conventions, contributing to democratic institutionalization, strengthening parliamentary effectiveness and ensuring good governance.

Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said Parliament runs with taxpayers’ money and stressed the importance of ensuring good governance, economic reforms and sustainable democracy.

Members of Parliament from Mymensingh-6 to Chattogram-5 and Bandarban and women MPs from reserved seats participated in the two-day orientation course.