(BSS) – An orientation programme titled “Constitution, Rules of Procedure and Parliamentary Affairs” for Members of Parliament (MPs) was held today (Wednesday) at the oath room of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat.

The programme was presided over by Speaker of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, MP, while Secretary of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat Barrister Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan delivered the welcome address.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, MP, Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam Moni, MP, Leader of the Opposition Dr Md Shafiqur Rahman, MP, UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller and Swiss Ambassador Reto Renggli addressed the programme as special guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, said the 13th Jatiya Sangsad has been working to fulfill people’s expectations in the country’s renewed democratic journey. He said MPs represent the people to ensure an accountable system of governance and uphold public trust.

“The Rules of Procedure are not merely an administrative formality; they are instruments for carrying out parliamentary responsibilities,” the Speaker said, stressing that a sound understanding of the Rules of Procedure is essential for introducing motions and reviewing bills effectively, said a press release.

He said Parliament has three major responsibilities – enacting laws, approving the national budget and ensuring accountability of the executive branch through parliamentary oversight by MPs.

The Speaker said Parliament is not established solely on political consensus, but also through effective participation of both the ruling and opposition parties under the Rules of Procedure, ensuring public engagement and a proper legislative process.

He also highlighted that the Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services (SIPS) programme, supported by UNDP and Switzerland, has been contributing to strengthening parliamentary institutions by promoting effective participation and accountability among MPs to meet public expectations.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal said MPs have assumed office with the responsibility of representing the people. He said the Rules of Procedure define their rights and responsibilities and make them accountable to citizens.

Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam Moni said MPs must listen to problems faced by people in their constituencies and work to resolve them for development.

At the same time, MPs play a vital role in parliamentary activities and in ensuring government accountability, he said, adding that a proper understanding of parliamentary traditions and Rules of Procedure is essential for an effective Parliament.

Leader of the Opposition Dr Md Shafiqur Rahman said Parliament operates with taxpayers’ money and should work to ensure good governance, economic reforms and sustainable democracy.

The two-day orientation course’s first group included MPs elected from parliamentary constituencies ranging from Panchagarh-1 to Barguna-1, Patuakhali-1 to Bhola-2, Bhola-4 to Mymensingh-5, as well as women MPs elected to reserved seats from Women Seat-1 to Women Seat-24.