Parliament's International Cooperation & Memberships
Commonwealth...Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)
Other Parlia...Other Parliamentary Forums
Parliamentar...Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC)
Inter-Parlia...Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
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Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organization of national parliaments, established in 1889 to promote peace, democracy, and cooperation among nations through parliamentary dialogue. Bangladesh became a member of the IPU in 1972, shortly after its independence. Since then, the Jatiya Sangsad has played an active role in the IPU’s global agenda, particularly in promoting democracy, sustainable development, and gender equality. A major milestone was achieved in April 2017, when Bangladesh hosted the 136th IPU Assembly in Dhaka, attended by delegates from over 130 countries. This event highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to democratic governance and international parliamentary cooperation. The Parliament of Bangladesh continues to participate in IPU committees and conferences, contributing to discussions on human rights, parliamentary transparency, and peacebuilding.
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Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an international network of national, state, and provincial legislatures from Commonwealth countries, founded in 1911 to strengthen parliamentary democracy and good governance. Bangladesh joined the CPA in 1973, and the CPA Bangladesh Branch has since been an active participant in regional and international programs. Through its membership, the Jatiya Sangsad engages in capacity-building initiatives, leadership training for Members of Parliament, and policy exchange programs that support democratic development. Bangladesh’s leadership within the CPA was prominently demonstrated when it hosted the 63rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Dhaka in 2017, bringing together parliamentarians from more than 180 branches. The CPA platform continues to enhance Bangladesh’s visibility and influence in promoting human rights, women’s representation, and parliamentary reforms within the Commonwealth community.
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Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC)The Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) was established in 1999 under the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to foster solidarity and cooperation among the parliaments of Muslim-majority countries. The Bangladesh Parliament is an active member of PUIC and regularly participates in its conferences, executive committee meetings, and specialized committees. Through this platform, Bangladesh contributes to discussions on issues affecting the Muslim world, including peace, development, economic cooperation, and humanitarian affairs. PUIC membership enables Bangladesh to collaborate with other Islamic nations in promoting justice, tolerance, and shared development goals. The Jatiya Sangsad’s participation in PUIC reflects Bangladesh’s dedication to upholding Islamic values while advancing democratic governance and international cooperation.
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Other Parliamentary ForumsIn addition to IPU, CPA, and PUIC, the Bangladesh Parliament is also engaged in various regional and thematic parliamentary organizations, such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Speakers’ and Parliamentarians’ Conference and the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA). Through these forums, Bangladesh works with neighboring countries to promote regional peace, economic integration, and sustainable development. The Jatiya Sangsad also takes part in bilateral and multilateral parliamentary dialogues, sharing best practices in legislation, governance, and institutional strengthening. These platforms collectively enhance Bangladesh’s role in shaping regional and global parliamentary cooperation.