Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on Wednesday hoped that the opposition will join the parliament and take part in discussions on any issue “in light of the Constitution and asper the parliament’s rules of procedure”.
“I say parliament is the centre of democracy where elected representatives can take part in discussions in light of the Constitution and as per the parliament’s rules of procedure,” she told reporters after a function in the city.
“I hope the opposition will join the parliament and take part in discussions,” she hoped, says a UNB report.
Replying to another question, she said discussions could be held on any issue and there was scope for removal of any type of differences in parliament through talks.
The Speaker said the parliament members were people’s representatives ofthe House and could discuss any important national issue.
Access to Information Programme, Prime Minister’s Office, arranged theevent at Media Bazar of the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre to distribute “Service Innovation Fund Award”.
US Ambassador to Dhaka Dan W Mozena, UNDP Country Director Pauline Tamesis, Finance Secretary Fazle Kabir and Policy Adviser, A2I Anir Chowdhury also spoke on the occasion.
Speaking as the chief guest, Shirin Chaudhury said it was the high time technology was being used for ensuring public service delivery and improving the lives of people.
She said the initiative to award fund was a unique way to promote innovations for better services ensuring good governance.
In his address, Dan Mozena said he like others, believed that digital technology wasthe key to unleashing the great potential of Bangladesh.
“I speak of the power of digital technology … a power so great, so revolutionary, so life altering … a power that is shifting the course of history … digital technology.”
The US diplomat said Bangladesh has already taken great strides into the Digital Era.
Bangladeshis already had digital access to key government services such as birth registration, university applications etc, he added. “This is an impressive progress.”
Appreciating the government’s efforts, UNDP Country Director Pauline Tamesis said the UNDP would continue to support the government in thisprocess ensuring access to information.
“Innovation requires support system,” she said.
She also laid emphasis on public-private partnership to expedite theprocess.
Later, the guests handed over the awards to five government institutions, a non-government organisation and a private university.