DHAKA, May 4, 2026 (BSS) - A delegation of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) made a courtesy call on Chief Whip of Jatiya Sangsad Md. Nurul Islam, today at his Sangsad Bhaban office here.

The UNDP delegation included Assistant Resident Representative Anwarul Haque, Assistant Programme Adviser (Governance) Dragan Popovic, and Project Manager Mahmudul Hasan.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a range of issues, including strengthening parliament, e-governance, e-parliament initiatives, poverty alleviation, environmental development, freedom of expression, parliamentary sessions, and rules of procedure, said a press release.

The Chief Whip said Bangladesh is facing various environmental and economic challenges. 

He noted that the government has been providing different forms of financial assistance, such as family cards and farmer cards, to alleviate poverty. 

Md. Nurul Islam also highlighted government initiatives like tree plantation and canal excavation programmes aimed at protecting the environment.

He further emphasized that strengthening parliament is essential to institutionalize democracy. 
Consensus between the ruling party and the opposition in parliament can help resolve many national issues, he said, adding that the formation of a special parliamentary committee on energy has contributed to addressing the country’s energy challenges.

Nurul Islam also stressed the importance of mutual trust, saying that without it, it would be difficult to move the country forward. He underscored that democracy is essential for ensuring good governance.

Dragan Popovic said UNDP can play a supportive role in bridging the gap between members of parliament and the people. He added that the Jatiya Sangsad and UNDP could work together to make the parliament more effective.

Senior officials of the Parliament Secretariat were present at the meeting.