Dhaka, June 20 (UNB)- UNDP and the Netherlands will be providing $11.9 million (approx Tk 83 crore) for the next four years to implement a project titled ‘Improving Democracy through Parliamentary Development’.

The project is based on the key concept that a strong parliament is essential to maintaining the rule of law, protecting human rights, overseeing transparent governance processes, improving the state of the extremely poor and meeting the MDG commitments.

A UNDP release says the project is designed to support reform initiatives led by the Parliament, which will impact all people in Bangladesh through improved law making, efficient and accountable governance, improved service delivery and policy making and more effective representation and community engagement.

This is a joint initiative of the Parliament, the Bangladesh Government and UNDP, the release says.

“The presence of an effective parliament in Bangladesh is strongly correlated with the existence of a viable democracy because it has the capacity to empower ordinary people to participate in the policies that shape their lives,” said Netherlands Ambassador A.J.A.J.M.G. Hennekens.

UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Priesner recognized the importance of the project and its bipartisan support noting that both parties campaigned to strengthen parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh.

As a result he said, “the people of Bangladesh have very high hopes and expectations of the ninth parliament to improve the delivery of essential services to all communities, and to ensure economic growth and security, job creation and rural development.”

Priesner said they also recognize what a huge challenge the government and the Parliament faces in meeting public expectations.