Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni on Monday said parliamentary democratic practices had returned to Bangladesh after a long gap and the government was committed to implementing the July National Charter 2025.

“The government held discussions with political parties, constitutional experts, teachers, journalists, July uprising participants and representatives of different sections of society to implement the charter,” he said.

The chief whip made the remarks when European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller met him at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Both sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, parliamentary democracy, trade and investment cooperation.

During the meeting, Moni said the opposition had repeatedly been invited to join the relevant committees and the door remained open for their participation.

He urged the opposition to raise its concerns in Parliament rather than resorting to street movements, saying Parliament was the central platform of democratic practices.

Differences could be resolved through parliamentary discussions, which would help strengthen the democratic process, the chief whip added.

The two sides also discussed forming a Bangladesh-EU Parliamentary Friendship Group to facilitate exchanges of experience among lawmakers and make parliamentary activities more effective.

They also stressed cooperation in parliamentary budget management and strengthening the institutional capacity of democratic institutions.

The meeting discussed increasing European investment in Bangladesh, expanding bilateral trade and organising an international investment forum.

Moni also outlined the government’s position on amendments to labour laws, protection of workers’ rights, ensuring an effective role for trade unions and maintaining stability in the industrial sector.

Both sides discussed the need to strengthen public confidence through democratic continuity, transparency and accountability while maintaining economic development and infrastructure progress.

The EU ambassador appreciated the role of the Parliament following the return of democratic governance to Bangladesh after a prolonged period.

Moni and Miller expressed hope that friendly relations between Bangladesh and the EU, along with cooperation on democratic values and issues of mutual interest, would be further strengthened.