United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis on Monday paid a courtesy call on the Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury at the latter's office.    

During the meeting, they discussed on several topics including sustainable development goals, climate change, poverty alleviation, prevention of child marriage and violence against women, women's empowerment and socio-economic development and gender based budget.

Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad in coordination with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is playing a significant role in preventing child marriage and violence against women by organizing discussions and various seminars at the marginal level, she added, reports BSS.

Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury said that the poverty rate of Bangladesh has come down to 18 percent due to the pragmatic steps taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

She underscored the need for arranging policy dialogues, seminars and round tables to prepare action plans on gender equality and women's empowerment.

Describing gender-based budgeting as very effective for women's development, Gwyn Lewis praised Bangladesh's development activities in all areas.

UNFPA Country Representative in Bangladesh Kristine Blokhus and senior officials concerned of the Parliament Secretariat were present on the occasion.

Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul