India is interested to extend cooperation in strengthening parliamentary activities in Bangladesh. Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar expressed the interest during a meeting with Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Chaudhury who is on a visit to New Delhi , says a press release issued by the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat.
During the meeting, the two speakers emphasised the need for exchange of parliamentary delegation to increase mutual cooperation between parliaments of two countries. The Lok Sabha Speaker said as a neighbouring country her country gives due importance to Bangladesh. That’s why India always expects stability and development in Bangladesh.
She expressed her gratitude to Bangladesh government for honouring individuals and different institutions of India for their contribution during the war of liberation in 1971.
Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, the first woman Speaker in Bangladesh, referred to the contribution of Indian government and its people during the war of liberation and said Bangladesh gives importance on increasing bilateral relations with India.
She also appreciated the parliamentary norms and system to improve the parliamentary democracy in India.
Bangladesh High Commissioner in India Tarique A Karim was present at the meeting.
During the visit, the speaker will call on Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Chaudhury will also hold talks with opposition leader Sushma Swaraj and opposition leader of the Rajjayasabha Arun Jaitley separately.
She will witness sessions at both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
The Speaker on Wednesday left Dhaka for New Delhi on a three-day visit to India at the invitation of Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar.
This is her first visit to India after re-election in the post of Speaker following the January 5 general elections.
The Speaker is expected to return home on February 15, said the release. – staff reporter
