Prime Minister Tarique Rahman meeting with the women MPs at the Cabinet Division in the Secretariat today. Photo: PMO

DHAKA, May 18, 2026 (BSS)- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has asked BNP lawmakers from women reserved seats to prepare themselves to play an effective role in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS).

The premier gave the directive at a meeting with the women MPs at Cabinet Division at the secretariat here today, according to PM’s press wing.

Tarique Rahman urged the MPs to develop themselves as competent lawmakers by having a clear understanding of the Rules of Procedure of the JS.

He asked the lawmakers to remain cautious and responsible while delivering speeches in the parliament.

The prime minister further directed the MPs to stay vigilant so that no one can mislead the public through misinterpretation of religion. He also emphasized increasing engagement with people in their respective constituencies.

Tarique Rahman said the people had suffered from a kind of mental distress for 17 years and were unable to speak freely.
 
He added that after the BNP government came to power, people are now enjoying all kinds of democratic rights.

During the meeting, the women MPs expressed their views on various issues, including parliamentary procedures, the current political situation, and implementation of the government’s electoral commitments.

All 36 BNP women MPs attended the meeting, and 17 of them spoke.

After the meeting, women MP Arifa Sultana Ruma told BSS that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has told them of giving training on parliamentary procedures before the beginning of the next session of the Jatiya Sangsad.

She also said the prime minister instructed them to become more closely connected with people in their constituencies and promote the party’s ideals and activities at the grassroots level.

BNP Secretary General and LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, party’s Senior Joint Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political and Agriculture Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi were present. BNP have 36 seats out of total 50 reserved seats for women in JS.