Staff Correspondent

Chief Whip of National Parliament Alhaj Nurul Islam Moni reminded lawmakers that the primary responsibility of a Member of Parliament is to voice the grievances and expectations of their respective constituents while actively utilizing parliamentary mechanisms to ensure government accountability.

He stressed that to optimize parliament's legislative efficacy, MPs must possess a meticulous understanding of constitutional structures, parliamentary conventions, and the Rules of Procedure.

The Chief Whip made these remarks as a special guest at an orientation program titled "Constitution, Rules of Procedure, and Parliamentary Proceedings for Members of Parliament," held at the Oath Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday.

Soeaker of the National Parliament Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram, MP, presided over the sessions.

Highlighting the unique demographics of the current legislature, Chief Whip Moni noted that nearly 260 new members have been elected to the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. He described the orientation as a timely and vital intervention to equip freshman lawmakers with fundamental insights into parliamentary legislation and constitutional responsibilities.

Addressing the freshly elected legislators, Moni stated that the landscape of national development and the nature of public expectations have undergone a massive shift in recent times. He noted that whenever lawmakers interact with the public, citizens present pressing demands for road infrastructure, educational facilities, employment generation, healthcare access, and other developmental needs. Consequently, MPs must play a far more responsive and active role in translating these public expectations into reality.

The Chief Whip further observed that a fundamental difference exists between past legislatures and the current parliament. Citing reviews by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), he stated that the 13th national election received substantial validation internationally, particularly across the Western world. He added that the election successfully reflected the true expectations of the people, established a democratic government, and sought the cooperation of all stakeholders to sustain this democratic trajectory.

Following the inaugural session, the Chief Whip led detailed discussions focusing on standard parliamentary floor procedures, strategic utilization of the Rules of Procedure, methods to elevate legislative efficiency, and the definitive roles of lawmakers.

The event was also addressed by Special Guests Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaisar Kamal, UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller, and Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli. Barrister Md. Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan, Secretary of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat, delivered the welcome address.