Published: 12:00 AM, 02 November 2026
Norway can help strengthen parliamentary democracy: Speaker
Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikrom, on Sunday said Norway has consistently supported the promotion of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh and expressed hope that the two countries would further strengthen their cooperation in democratic governance, human rights and international peace.
"Norway has always extended cooperation in advancingparliamentary democracy in Bangladesh," he said when Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Mr. Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen made a courtesy call on him at his office at the JS Bhabanin Dhaka, BSS reports.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Norway had developed since the country's Liberation War in 1971, describing Norway as one of the world's democratic countries.
Referring to Bangladesh's political developments, he said the country's people had been deprived of their democratic rights during the 17 years of authoritarian rule.
The speaker alleged that farcical elections under the Awami League government had undermined parliamentary democracy, while enforced disappearances, killings, terrorism and extrajudicial killings had created an atmosphere of fear.
He also mentioned that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and senior leaders of the then opposition had repeatedly faced imprisonment. The July mass uprising of 2024 had brought an end to authoritarian rule and reopened the path towards democratic progress in Bangladesh, he added.
He described the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election as one of the most credible elections in the country's history, saying the present government was working to fulfil the democratic aspirations of the people.
Highlighting Bangladesh's commitment to protecting human rights globally, he stressed the need for international support, alongside the government's efforts, to ensure the repatriation of the Rohingya people sheltered in Bangladesh.
Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said Norway and other European countries could play a supportive role in facilitating the repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland.
During the meeting, the Norwegian ambassador praised Bangladesh's longstanding contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations, saying Bangladeshi peacekeepers had played an appreciable role in maintaining global peace.
He said Norway remained ready to extend cooperation to Bangladesh in promoting parliamentary democracy and protecting human rights.
The two sides also exchanged views on forming a parliamentary friendship group between Bangladesh and Norway, exchanging parliamentary delegations and the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of significant contributions to global peacekeeping.
They discussed the activities of the ongoing Constitution Amendment Committee and the July Charter.
The Speaker invited Norwegian companies to explore opportunities for oil and gas exploration and extraction in Bangladesh's coastal areas, including Bhola.
Representatives of the Norwegian Embassy, Secretary of the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat and senior officials concerned were present at the meeting.
