Mr. Abdul Muktadir Chowdhury,
 Additional Secretary (Law) and NPD of the Project

Mr. Sen Gupta, in his articulated speech, described the political and cultural evolution and linked how the evolution gave birth to Bangladeshi nationhood. In lecturing on his topics in various sessions, Mr. Rashid presented the Constitutional framework, the powers and functions of the Speaker and the Committee structure with its uniqueness and problems. Professor Mohabbat Khan highlighted on the relationship among three organs of the State, and outlined the processes in governance at the central and local level. Professor Zarina Khan's contribution to the multi-dimensional issues of gender and politics was valuable. Her presentation focused on the historical perspectives on gender development in the global, regional and local spheres. Mr. Miah's deliberation with cross-country references was educative. His step-by-step description of the Rules of Procedures was well conceptualised. Mr. Rahman, by speaking on parliamentary diplomacy, added a new dimension to the understanding of parliamentary democracy. Mr. Akram, Dr. Haq and Professor Ahmed supplemented each other in their effort to throw light on financial and oversight functions of the Parliament. These parliament-specific issues helped the trainees in their understanding of procedures and scrutiny process and the institutional problems therein. With his in-depth knowledge on theoretical issues and global practices pertaining to sovereignty, independence, self organisation, ethical standards, immunities and privileges of parliament and its members, Mr. Soliman made a mark as the only foreigner speaker of the course. Mr. Chowdhury, as the guest speaker of the last lecture session, spoke on procedures, steps, and technical aspects involved in legislation process. He particularly highlighted on the delicate role of the President and Speaker in such process.

The enthusiasm and participation of trainees was high from day one of the foundation course. The participants demonstrated their keen interest in attending lecture sessions, after-tea 'question-answer' sessions and general interaction among themselves and with guest speakers. Their attendance was observed to be generally satisfactory. They reflected their profound interest in understanding and debating on broader theoretical and contextual issues pertaining to democracy, development as well as on parliament-specific practices, rules and customs.

The Monograph on Handbook for Members of the Bangladesh Parliament has been drafted by Mohammad Badi-uz-Zaman. In writing this book Mr Zaman, a former Deputy Secretary of the Parliament Secretariat, reviewed relevant books and documents. Personal experience and extensive contact with concerned officials also helped him in drafting this volume.

The selected topics which have been dealt with by the author are: Parliament, Procedure, Bodies, Committees, Secretariat, Remuneration and Privileges of MPs, other facilities, Parliament Building and its facilities. Besides these topics, short comments on Rights and Duties of the Parliament Members have been made, and an index on legislative terminology has been incorporated. The book is expected to act as not only a guide but also a source of pedagogic knowledge to Hon. MPs and those concerned with Parliamentary practice in Bangladesh. Researchers and visitors will also benefit from this handy IPS publication.

Visit of Embassy Officials to the Parliament

A visit of delegation of officials of foreign missions in Bangladesh was hosted at the Sangsad Bhaban on 16^th September. The visit was organised by the P.S. to the Hon. Speaker, Mr. Nojibur Rahman, and coordinated by the USA Charge d’Affaires, Mr. Webster. Participants from Sweden, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, Japan, U.K., India, Morocco, Thailand, and Nigeria. Senior Parliament Officials briefed the guests on the legislative process in Bangladesh, while the UNDp project Staff and the TDC Computer Specialists informed the guests about the modernisation process of the Parliament, the LIC Website and the introduction of IT to the Parliament. A guided tour allowed the guests to visit the Chamber of the Parliament, President’s Suite, Parliament Library, Computer User’s Centre, and the North and South Plazas.

An international conference on The Bangladesh Parliament in the 21^st Century will be held in Hotel Sonargaon, Dhaka on 24 October 2000. Having shared each other's concern and interest to help strengthening the process of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh, UNDP and the World Bank have come together to support the Bangladesh Parliament in the organisation of this conference at a critical hour when the country enter the new millennium. Keeping in perspective the need for creating an intellectual space for exchanging knowledge and learning lessons from parliamentary democracies such as Britain, Sweden, Australia and India, the organisers have invited prominent parliamentarians, scholars and practitioners from around the world to speak in the conference. Mr. Humayun Rasheed Choudhury, Hon. Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament, will deliver inaugural speech and chair the sessions. The conference will be addressed by, among others, Lord Philip Norton of the House of Lords in the UK, Mr. Geert Versnick, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Belgian Parliament and Mr. Sangma, former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, India. All Hon. MPs will be invited to attend the conference.

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