Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and her British counterpart Sir Lindsay Hoyle agreed to strengthen institutional collaboration between Bangladesh and the British parliaments specially on climate change, women empowerment, justice for the Rohingyas, and role of parliament across the Commonwealth.
They reached the agreement during a a bilateral meeting at the Westminster ‘Speakers House’ held on Monday, said the Bangladesh High Commission in London.
While paying profound tribute to Bangladesh’s Founding Father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury informed the British Speaker that it was Bangabandhu’s value-based friendship with the-then British politicians that would continue to remain a fundamental tenet and cornerstone of the robust and ever expanding Bangladesh-UK diplomatic relations of 2022 and beyond.
Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury proposed to form a ‘Bangladesh-UK Parliamentary Friendship Group’, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries to work together for promoting shared values of democracy, peace, and progress inclusive societies.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the British Parliament since 2019, congratulated Bangladesh and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the climate leadership at the CoP26 and being among the strongest voices to combat global warming and climate change.
The British Speaker also expressed gratitude to Bangladesh for sheltering and protecting 1.1 million Rohingyas fleeing from Myanmar. The Bangladesh Speaker called on the British Parliament to play a leading role in resolving the Rohingya crisis towards a sustained return.
Sir Hoyle recalled Bangladesh Speaker’s successful tenure as the Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and praised her skilful leadership to promote women empowerment across the CPA.
The British Speaker praised the four British-Bangladeshi parliamentarians for their contribution to British society and acknowledged the entrepreneurship of the Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK. Both the Speakers emphasised the increased role of parliamentarians in different international forums, including the Commonwealth.
Sir Hoyle proposed to host an event at the British Parliament in honour of Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh on the occasion of 50 years of Bangladesh-UK friendship.
Chaudhury invited Speaker Hoyle to visit Bangladesh at the earliest opportunity, especially during the historic 50 years of Bangladesh-UK diplomatic relations. Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem was present during the meeting.
