Speaker of the National Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, on Tuesday sought US cooperation in recovering funds allegedly laundered abroad during the tenure of the previous fascist regime and welcomed a proposal from the International Republican Institute (IRI) to support the capacity building of the newly elected lawmakers.
The issues came up when IRI Bangladesh Resident Program Director John Fluharty made a courtesy call on National Parliament speaker at the speaker’s office in the National Parliament Building.
During the meeting, Fluharty proposed IRI’s support for enhancing the skills and institutional capacity of members of the 13th National Parliament through training programs, workshops and experience-sharing initiatives.
He also briefed the speaker on various activities being implemented by the US-based organization in Bangladesh to promote democratic and political stability.
Referring to allegations that around TK28 lakh crore was siphoned abroad during the rule of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the speaker sought US assistance in bringing the money back to Bangladesh, said a press release.
Highlighting what he described as years of political repression during over one and a half decades of misrule of Hasina, Hafiz said incidents of enforced disappearances, killings, suppression of dissent and the operation of secret detention facilities known as “Ayna Ghar” had reached such a level that people’s freedom of expression had been severely curtailed.
The speaker said the current government has been conducting state affairs through consultations with the opposition following the February 12, 2026 parliamentary election, which he described as the most widely accepted election in Bangladesh’s history and one that received international recognition.
Noting that newly elected lawmakers are gradually becoming familiar with parliamentary procedures, he said the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had already organized orientation programs to provide hands-on training on the duties and responsibilities of members of parliament.
The speaker said the principal objective of the present democratic government is to uphold democratic continuity, ensure the highest respect for freedom of expression for all citizens, including opposition voices, and build a corruption-free Bangladesh.
Expressing optimism, he said the government and opposition parties would reach a consensus on implementing the July Charter through dialogue and consultation.
He also appreciated the opposition’s constructive role in addressing national challenges, including the ongoing energy issue, describing such cooperation as encouraging for the country’s democratic development.
National Parliament Secretary Barrister Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan and IRI Consultant Amitabh Ghosh were present at the meeting.
