European Union Chief Election Observer Ivars Ijabs paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Photo : Bangladesh Parliament

DHAKA, April 26, 2026 (BSS) - European Union Chief Election Observer Ivars Ijabs paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban today.

During the meeting, the Speaker said that the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election has opened up a new horizon for democracy in Bangladesh. 

He expressed hope that the current Parliament would play an effective role in fulfilling the aspirations of the people. 

He also noted that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia set an exemplary standard in strengthening parliamentary democracy and ensuring women’s representation in national policy making, said a press release.

The Speaker observed that while political parties may hold different ideologies, all parties—both in government and opposition—tend to work together in addressing national crises, which he described as a positive feature of parliamentary democracy.

The discussion also covered issues related to Bangladesh’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status to a middle-income economy. Both sides exchanged views on post-LDC trade challenges, including duty-free access to European markets and the possibility of negotiating a free trade agreement with the European Union.
They further discussed the status of women’s representation in parliament as well as proportional representation of ethnic minority communities in the national legislature.

The Speaker underscored the importance of forming parliamentary friendship groups with EU member states and strengthening exchange visits between parliamentary delegations to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.

The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh and members of the visiting delegation, along with senior officials of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat.