Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Tuesday that a robust and functional democratic framework is central to guaranteeing the nation's enduring advancement and growth, while reasserting his administration's dedication to reinforcing democracy.

"People have high expectations from democracy. We believe that sustainable progress and development of the country can be ensured only through an effective and strong democratic system," he stated.

The Prime Minister delivered the observations when Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary General Anda Filip executed a courtesy visit to him at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat this morning, according to PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Shadhin.

Throughout the dialogue, Tarique Rahman noted that Bangladesh had revived democracy following an extended struggle, remarking, "We are very happy that after a long struggle, we have been able to restore democracy in the country."

"We fought for democracy for a long time. During this period, many of our party leaders and activists became victims of enforced disappearances and killings, while around 40 lakh party leaders and activists faced false cases," he observed.

In this context, the Prime Minister conveyed that ultimately, via the election held on February 12, they facilitated the rebirth of the democratic mechanism within the nation.

The Prime Minister supplemented that the BNP had not merely reinstated multi-party democracy but likewise introduced parliamentary governance to the country.

"There are still some challenges ahead of us, but we are optimistic and firmly committed to democracy," he affirmed.

The Prime Minister stated that his administration is striving to safeguard the constitutional rights of every citizen and guarantee vital provisions for the populace.

Tarique Rahman further mentioned that women's empowerment constituted a primary focus of his government. He delineated strategies to furnish tuition-free instruction for females up to the honors tier and institute financial allowances for female scholars.

The premier indicated that a principal objective of the ‘Family Card’ initiative was to render women economically independent and elevate their involvement in domestic decision-making.

Anda Filip commended Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's governance, noting that his consistent attendance at Jatiya Sangsad sessions transmits a potent signal of his dedication to parliamentary democracy.

The IPU Secretary General mentioned that she had reviewed the BNP's electoral manifesto and lauded its programs within the educational domain and community-based projects.

She similarly praised Bangladesh's strides in parliamentary democracy, asserting that sustained momentum along this trajectory would further consolidate public trust in state organs and the democratic structure.

Filip remarked that the IPU remained eager to deepen knowledge-sharing and collaboration with the Bangladesh Parliament.

She voiced optimism that the Jatiya Sangsad Speaker's engagement in the 153rd IPU Assembly situated in Tanzania would additionally consolidate ties connecting the IPU and the Bangladesh Parliament.

The IPU Secretary General likewise underscored the significance of fostering civic consciousness to render democracy more impactful and enduring.

Women's empowerment additionally occupied a prominent place during the session. Sharing her impressions from interacting with youthful and female parliamentarians, Filip noted they appeared exceptionally dynamic and passionate.

State Ministers for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Shama Obaed Islam attended the event.