Speaker for parliamentary diplomacy to end Rohingya crisis

Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury today said Bangladesh is hosting the 63rd conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and it should take opportunity of parliamentary diplomacy through the CPA to find a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis, reports BSS.

“We can discuss the Rohingya issue formally and informally with the speakers, the deputy speakers and the parliamentarians of CPA member states and seek their supports in favour of Bangladesh.

They will raise the Rohingya issue within their countries as well as at the global forums to mount pressure on Myanmar for taking back their citizens,” she said at a press conference.

The press conference was held after a meeting of CPA executive committee at Hotel Radisson in the city.

Dr Shirin, also Chairperson of CPA, said Bangladesh is continuing its diplomatic efforts bilaterally and multilaterally for a peaceful solution to the Rohingya crisis.

She said, “I hope the Rohingya problem will be solved in line with the five-point proposal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as it was placed at the 72nd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)”.

“As you know, all agendas were set before the beginning of CPA conference. As the Rohingya issue is very crucial for Bangladesh, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali will brief at 3.30pm on November 5 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre to let the parliamentarians of CPA member countries know about the Rohingya situation.”

Representatives of over 110 branches, out of 180, are taking part in the conference, Dr Shirin said, adding, “We are hoping a large number of delegates will arrive tomorrow to attend the programme.”

About women participation in politics, Dr Shirin said, “Gender equality in politics is crucial to democracy and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Empowerment of women and enhancing women participation should be discussed at the CPA and other parliamentary associations including IPU to ensure gender equality of women.”

The global average of the women in national parliament is 23.3 percent, up from 22.6 percent a year ago. At this pace it would take another 50 years to reach gender parity in parliament, she added.

Dr Shirin sought effective commonwealth role in addressing the climate change issue as the member states, including Bangladesh, were exposed to its wrath.

Climate Change is very crucial issue of small island countries, she said, adding the issue will be discussed with due attention so that vulnerable counties can overcome the climate change challenges.