IN A democratic society, the parliamentary system of government has its most profound and significant role to play in ensuring the emancipation of the people through their elected representatives, chosen by direct franchise. In the truest sense, it is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It is a system of governance in which real executive power rests with a cabinet composed of members of the legislature, who are individually and collectively responsible to it.
In Bangladesh, the system of government is parliamentary and the Parliament is unicameral. The principal role and function of Parliament is to formulate law. Article 65 of the Constitution of Bangladesh defines this clearly: 鈥楾here shall be a Parliament for Bangladesh (to be known as the House of the Nation) which, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, shall be vested with the legislative powers of the Republic.鈥�
However, in practice, parliaments and parliamentarians have manifold roles to play, both nationally and internationally, on a wide range of issues. In the international arena, this is commonly referred to as parliamentary diplomacy. Parliamentary diplomacy is the means by which two or more parliaments engage in ongoing dialogue concerning key international issues. While diplomats largely drive a nation鈥檚 foreign policy, elected members of parliament also play a vital role in influencing policy priorities, holding governments accountable and providing a firmer democratic foundation for the advancement of peace, cooperation, and human rights across the globe.
The Parliament of Bangladesh is a proud member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. It also participates in several other regional parliamentary associations, of which the OIC Parliamentary Union and the Asian Parliamentary Association are particularly important.
The IPU is the global organisation of national parliaments. Established in 1889 by a small group of parliamentarians dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue, it has since grown into a truly global organisation with 181 members and 15 associate members.
The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development worldwide. Its popular slogan, 鈥楩or democracy. For everyone鈥�, embodies its mission: a world where every voice counts, and where democracy and parliaments serve the people in the pursuit of peace and development.
Every year, the IPU observes 15 September as the International Day for Democracy. At its 150th Assembly, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the IPU firmly adopted a resolution on the Palestine issue.
The resolution reaffirmed the Palestinian people鈥檚 right to self-determination and condemned human rights violations by Israel. It was adopted as follows:
鈥楻ecalling the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council on the Middle East conflict, including resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002), 1515 (2003), and 2334 (2016), which established principles for the resolution of this conflict, in particular the inadmissibility of acquisition of territory by force, as well as those of the United Nations General Assembly, including resolutions 181 (II) (1947), 194 (III) (1948), 58/292 (2004), 67/19 (2012), 73/18 (2018), and the most recent resolution 79/81 (2024) on the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine, which expressed unwavering support, in accordance with international law, for a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the 1967 borders, with both States living side by side in peace and security. Recalling also the IPU鈥檚 numerous resolutions and statements since 1988 on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which have consistently emphasised the need for a peaceful resolution based on international law and mutual recognition, reaffirmed the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, opposed illegal settlements, condemned all acts of terrorism and violent attacks, and called for urgent humanitarian action, while supporting international efforts to achieve a two-State solution.
Acknowledging the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, its devastating human toll, including population displacement, loss of life, and regional instability, and its significant intensification since 7 October 2023, which has resulted in a substantial number of deaths, the taking of hostages, and escalating violence, leading to a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by dire living conditions and restricted access to essential resources. Firmly believing that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict extends beyond being a regional issue, and that its repercussions are being felt globally, including through the export of tensions to other parts of the world, fuelling divisions within communities, influencing international relations, weakening international law, including international humanitarian law, and impacting global peace and security, while complicating efforts towards multilateral cooperation.
Expressing deep concern over the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories and the expansion of Israeli settlements in violation of international law and the prohibition of territorial acquisition by force, in contradiction to the principles of self-determination and territorial integrity enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Reaffirming the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and statehood based on the 1967 borders within the framework of a two-State solution, as well as the critical role of the International Court of Justice听 in upholding international legal norms and providing advisory opinions on the legal implications of occupation and settlement activities. Deeply concerned by the grave violations of the fundamental rights, dignity, and safety of civilians 鈥� with children, women, girls, and persons with disabilities bearing a particular burden as the most vulnerable members of affected communities 鈥� as the ongoing conflict continues to cause population displacement, destroy livelihoods, restrict humanitarian access, and exacerbate inequalities, leaving lasting physical, psychological, and socioeconomic impacts on individuals, families, and entire communities.
Recognising that acts of violence, terrorism against civilians, and the use of starvation as a method of warfare constitute serious breaches of international humanitarian law, and that State actions must fully comply with human rights obligations and the rule of law. Deeply convinced that a two-State solution is the only viable path to break the cycle of violence and ensure security, prosperity, and equal rights for the peoples of Israel and Palestine, in line with international law and the principles of self-determination and territorial integrity, and that key steps towards this goal include: an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, leading in particular to the release of hostages and political prisoners; the universal recognition of Palestinian and Israeli statehood; and the cessation of illegal settlement activities, as peace cannot be achieved through force or occupation.
Highlighting the unique role of parliaments, including regional parliamentary bodies, in advancing dialogue, diplomacy, and peacebuilding to support a two-State solution, while making use of their core functions to uphold international law, ensure government accountability, facilitate inclusive debate and consensus-building, promote human rights, protect vulnerable groups, allocate funds for humanitarian aid and reconstruction, and foster international cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy to encourage the peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The resolution then called on parliaments to:
Parliaments are called upon to urge their governments to advocate for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, lifting the blockade to enable the free movement of people and goods, facilitate humanitarian access and secure the release of hostages and political prisoners; to promote human dignity and safeguard fundamental rights, particularly for children, women, people with disabilities, and the elderly; to reaffirm support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees as a vital provider of humanitarian aid, education, and healthcare; to encourage the Parliament of Israel to review its decision to ban UNRWA operations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and support education-for-peace initiatives; to provide financial support to UNRWA and other humanitarian organisations operating in Gaza and the wider OPT; to strengthen oversight of governments鈥� foreign policy to ensure compliance with international law, including arms export controls and the monitoring of military transfers; to promote respect for ICJ advisory opinions concerning occupation and settlement activities; to use legislative powers to support a two-State solution, ensuring recognition of both Israel and Palestine; to advocate for full UN membership for Palestine and support a comprehensive, UN-led peace process; to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy to facilitate dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian representatives; to provide financial and technical support for Palestinian elections and monitor political and electoral developments in both Israel and Palestine; to deliver technical assistance and legislative capacity-building support to parliaments in Israel and Palestine; to encourage cross-border cooperation on shared economic and environmental challenges; to adopt gender-responsive legislation to protect women and girls, prevent gender-based violence, and promote their role as peacebuilders; to promote peace education, youth empowerment, interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and non-violence programmes in the Middle East; and to adopt a common and human security approach recognising the interdependence of Israeli and Palestinian security, prioritising civilian protection and addressing the root causes of conflict.
Thus, parliamentary diplomacy works globally to maintain peace and security, giving voice to the people of the world through their representatives, where government and opposition speak with one voice. This is the true beauty of parliament and the essence of parliamentary diplomacy.
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KM Abdus Salam is a former senior secretary to the government.
