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A 4-member delegation of Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) visited Bangladesh from 26-28 October.

The delegation comprised of representatives from the UK's mainstream political parties and the Head of Programmes at WFD. The delegation visited Bangladesh for a three day's scoping mission to explore the possibility of co-operation between the two Parliaments and the main political parties of the two countries.

The WFD is the UK's leading agency for political party development and parliamentary strengthening and uniquely placed to draw directly on the expertise and involvement of all the Westminster political parties. It works both on a party-to-party and cross-party basis to develop the capacity of local political parties and politicians to operate effectively in pluralistic and peaceful democracies.

During the visit, the members met the Honourable Speaker, the Chief Election Commissioner, and senior leaders of Awami League, BNP, Jatiya Party and Jamaat. They also visited the Parliament Library and Documentation Unit and met members of the civil society and others.

Ms Marina Narnor, Head of Programmes at WFD said, "The UK has been a longstanding partner of Bangladesh with engagement in the trade, development, defence and governance sector. Political party development is an essential element in the process of democratisation and in ensuring good governance. Our visit is a first step towards the co-operation between the UK and Bangladesh through a project supported by the UK's Department for International Development, to strengthen the democratic institutions and practices in Bangladesh".

Notes for Editors

Established in 1992, WFD is an independent public body sponsored by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, from which it receives grant-in-aid. Over the years it has grown in strength and diversity, working to achieve sustainable political change in emerging democracies. Working with and through partner organisations, it seeks to strengthen the institutions of democracy, principally political parties (through the work of the UK political parties), parliaments and the range of institutions that make up civil society.

The officials representing the WFD delegation are:

Ms Phillipa Broom, Conservative
Ms Nabila Sattar, Labour Party
Paul Speller, Liberal Democratic Party
Ms Marina Nornor, Westminster Foundation for Democracy

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