DHAKA, July 12, (v7n) – Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal today stressed the need for parliament members to play a more proactive and people-oriented role in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the commitments of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).
“The knowledge and experience gained through such initiatives should be translated into practical actions in their respective constituencies by engaging local people,” he said while presiding over an orientation workshop titled “Parliament's Role in Realising SDGs and ICPD Commitments” at the Jatiya Sangsad, according to a parliament secretariat press release.
Kayser Kamal expressed deep sorrow at the death of former Acting President and former Speaker Barrister Jamiruddin Sircar, praying for his eternal peace and conveying condolences to the bereaved family.
The Deputy Speaker said he was attending the workshop not only as Deputy Speaker but also as an MP, and underscored the importance of transforming discussions into practical action plans rather than limiting them to formal deliberations. He said lawmakers have a vital role in promoting women’s empowerment, preventing gender-based violence and child marriage, and addressing the adverse impacts of climate change. As public representatives, they can bring positive changes by raising awareness, engaging local institutions, and taking effective initiatives in their constituencies.
Kayser Kamal noted that school-based awareness programmes could play an important role in educating students, parents, and local communities about the harmful consequences of child marriage, and stressed the need for concerted efforts to prevent gender-based violence and ensure gender equality. Highlighting climate change impacts, he called for locally tailored plans to address effects on healthcare, environment, and livelihoods—particularly in coastal and haor areas—and urged coordinated efforts to tackle challenges such as excessive rainfall, floods, waterlogging, and siltation.
He urged lawmakers to identify problems in their constituencies and communicate with relevant authorities for appropriate action, and observed that school-based awareness campaigns could effectively engage young people in preventing child marriage and strengthening climate resilience, with direct MP involvement further enhancing effectiveness.
Expressing optimism, the Deputy Speaker said implementation of the workshop’s recommendations would further strengthen parliament’s role in achieving the SDGs and ICPD commitments, enabling people to reap the benefits.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, attended as chief guest, while Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni was present as special guest. Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat Secretary Barrister Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan delivered the welcome address. Whips, lawmakers, UNFPA representatives, and Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat officials were present.
