A delegation of the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) met with Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Md. Nurul Islam today. Photo: JS

DHAKA, July 12, 2026 (BSS) - Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Md. Nurul Islam today underscored the importance of strengthening parliamentary democracy, saying democracy is the foundation of a country’s development and progress.

He made the remarks when a delegation of the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) paid a courtesy call on him at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad here.

The EPD delegation comprised Acting Executive Director Thijs Berman and Project Director Anastasia S. Wibawa.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on Bangladesh’s parliamentary democracy, strengthening democratic institutions, advancing the democratic process and making the Jatiya Sangsad more effective, said a press release of parliament secretariat.

The Chief Whip said the stronger the democratic process becomes, the more firmly the people’s rights are established, enabling all constitutional and democratic institutions to perform their responsibilities more effectively.

Describing parliament as the heart of democracy, he said the Leader of the House, the Leader of the Opposition, the Deputy Speaker and most members of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad have been elected for the first time.

“In order to make parliament more effective and vibrant, there is no alternative to ensuring that members of parliament acquire comprehensive knowledge of the Constitution, the Rules of Procedure and parliamentary practices and conventions,” he said.

Thijs Berman said Bangladesh is currently enjoying a positive democratic environment and expressed the EPD’s willingness to extend necessary support to enhance the capacity of lawmakers and further strengthen the effectiveness of the Jatiya Sangsad.

He highly appreciated the Chief Whip’s visible role in making the current parliament more effective and dynamic.

Senior officials of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were present at the meeting.