Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma met with Deputy Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, Barrister Kayser Kamal, at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, April 13, 2026 (BSS) - Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma made a courtesy call on Deputy Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, Barrister Kayser Kamal, at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) today.

During the meeting, the Deputy Speaker said Bangladesh and India are close 
neighbours and emphasized that both countries could benefit diplomatically 
through the exchange of parliamentary information and experiences. 

He noted that strengthening training and experience-sharing programmes 
between the Jatiya Sangsad and India's Lok Sabha would enhance the 
effectiveness of parliamentary procedures.

Referring to the concept of a bicameral legislature, he mentioned that former 
Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia first proposed the idea of establishing an 
upper house in 2013, which was later incorporated into the BNP's 31-point 
outline.

While such an upper chamber could help ensure balance in parliamentary 
functions, he said adding that the issue requires further discussion, as its 
members are not directly elected by the people, said a press release.

The Deputy Speaker also highlighted that parliament is one of the key pillars 
of democracy. The government is working to fulfill public expectations 
through parliamentary democracy and stressed that effective functioning of 
parliamentary standing committees can ensure government accountability, he 
said.

Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma said that parliamentary friendship 
groups could play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations 
between Bangladesh and India. 

He underscored the importance of introducing digital and paperless e-
parliament systems, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) in 
parliamentary proceedings, enhancing the role and structure of standing 
committees, and ensuring greater accountability.

He also emphasized training and evaluation of Members of Parliament, as well 
as mutual exchange visits of parliamentary delegations, as means to further 
consolidate bilateral ties.

Both sides discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including 
maintaining good relations in border management, facilitating access to 
healthcare services, and advancing parliamentary democracy.
On the occasion, the High Commissioner congratulated Barrister Kayser Kamal 
on his election as Deputy Speaker and presented books and commemorative gifts 
on behalf of the Government of India.

Senior officials from the Indian High Commission and concerned officials of 
the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat, including Secretary Barrister Md. 
Golam Sorwar Bhuiyan, were present on the occasion.