Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today directed BNP MPs from women’s reserved seats to prepare themselves to play an effective role in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS).

He issued the directive while addressing a meeting with the newly elected female MPs at the Public Administration Hall of the Cabinet Division in Bangladesh Secretariat, according to a statement issued by the PM’s press wing.

Tarique Rahman, also the BNP chairman, said the women MPs must enrich themselves with information and develop a clear understanding of parliamentary rules and procedures to become skilled lawmakers.

He urged them to remain careful and responsible while speaking in parliament. He also asked the lawmakers to stay alert so that no one can mislead people through the misinterpretation of religion.

He further stressed the need to enhance public engagement in their respective constituencies.

“People suffered from a kind of mental distress for 17 years. They could not speak freely. After the BNP government assumed office, people are now enjoying all democratic rights,” he said.

During the meeting, the women MPs shared their views on parliamentary activities, the current political situation, and the implementation of the government’s election pledges.

Of the 350 seats in Parliament, 50 are reserved for women. BNP secured 36 of those seats.

Speaking to UNB, MP Arifa Sultana Ruma said PM Tarique told them that the party would provide training on parliamentary procedures before the second session of the 13th Parliament.

She added that Tarique also urged them to strengthen engagement with people in their respective areas and actively promote the party’s ideals and activities at the grassroots level.

LGRD Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with Senior Joint Secretary General and PM’s Political and Agriculture Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, were present at the meeting.