Women MPs to play meaningful role in parliament: Fakhrul
Of the 50 reserved seats for women in Parliament, 36 are from the BNP alliance
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (4 May) expressed hope that newly elected MPs from women's reserved seats will play a meaningful role in the Jatiya Sangsad.
Mirza Fakhrul, also the minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, made the remarks while speaking to reporters after paying tribute to BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia at their graves at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, along with reserved seat MPs from the ruling party.
They offered prayer at the graves. Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni was also present.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Fakhrul expressed optimism that the MPs will contribute to strengthening democratic institutions and making parliament more effective. "We hope they will perform their responsibilities properly and play their due role in Parliament," he added.
Earlier, around 1:00pm, Fakhrul led the newly elected women MPs in placing wreaths at Ziaur Rahman's grave.
After paying tribute, newly elected MP Arifa Sultana Ruma said she is committed to working for women across the country, especially the poor, helpless and oppressed.
A lawyer by profession, she said she aims to provide legal assistance and dedicate her life to the country.
Arifa said she is inspired by the political ideals of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, which are now being carried forward by prime minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.
She stressed that national progress is not possible without ensuring the inclusion and empowerment of women.
The newly elected women MP also highlighted initiatives such as family cards to empower women at the household level, expressing hope that such measures will contribute to self-reliance at the family, social and national levels.
Of the 50 reserved seats for women in Parliament, 36 are from the BNP alliance.
The newly elected MPs took the oath on Sunday night at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, administered by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP Standing Committee Member Nazrul Islam Khan, Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni and other whips were present at the oath-taking ceremony.
