Staff Correspondent, Chittagong

People’s leader and Member of Parliament Humam Qader Chowdhury has travelled to Tanzania to participate in the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), a major international forum that brings together parliamentarians from across the world.

The five-day IPU Assembly is taking place from October 5 to October 9, 2026, in Arusha, Tanzania. Lawmakers and parliamentary representatives from different countries are attending the event to exchange views on democracy, good governance, sustainable and inclusive development, peace, international cooperation and other pressing global concerns.

Hosted by Tanzania, the assembly is being held at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC). During the programme, participating parliamentarians are taking part in plenary sessions, committee meetings, panel discussions and various other activities related to parliamentary cooperation.

The main theme of this year’s assembly is “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all.” The theme places emphasis on inclusive governance, strengthening public confidence in institutions and ensuring equal opportunities for people and communities.

The discussions are focusing on how parliaments can contribute to stronger democratic institutions, greater public participation and more effective governance. Participants are also sharing experiences from their respective countries and discussing ways to ensure that communities have a meaningful role in development and decision-making processes.

Several major international issues are also on the agenda of the assembly. Among them are the use of artificial intelligence in military applications, parliamentary oversight of natural resources and the mining sector, mental health, children’s rights in the age of artificial intelligence and the possible effects of AI on employment in the future.

Climate change, healthy food systems, the protection of mountain and marine ecosystems and maritime security during periods of conflict are also being discussed. International peace and security remain important areas of deliberation, including issues concerning the United Nations Charter and the role of parliaments in responding to global challenges.

One of the key events of the assembly will be the election of a new President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The election is scheduled for October 9 in Arusha. The tenure of the current IPU President, Dr Tulia Ackson of Tanzania, is set to end in October.

The election is expected to attract considerable attention within the international parliamentary community, as the newly elected president will assume responsibility for leading the organization and promoting parliamentary cooperation among member countries during the next term.

Bangladesh’s participation in the IPU Assembly is considered important for strengthening the country’s parliamentary diplomacy and international engagement. The gathering provides Bangladeshi lawmakers with an opportunity to meet representatives from other countries, exchange legislative experiences and discuss matters of common interest.

Issues including democratic institutions, good governance, human rights, sustainable development, climate change and citizen participation are receiving increasing attention in international parliamentary forums. Participation in the IPU Assembly can therefore help expand parliamentary relations between Bangladesh and other countries while allowing Bangladeshi representatives to highlight the country’s views on important global matters.

The assembly also offers opportunities for bilateral and multilateral meetings outside the main sessions. Through such engagements, parliamentarians can establish professional relationships, share legislative experiences and explore potential areas of cooperation.

The 153rd IPU Assembly has brought together lawmakers from different regions of the world in Arusha. In addition to the main sessions, various IPU bodies and forums are holding meetings, including discussions involving standing committees, the Governing Council, human rights bodies, the Committee on Middle East Questions, and forums representing women and young parliamentarians.

The wide-ranging programme is providing an international platform for dialogue on democracy, peace, development, technology and other challenges facing communities and countries around the world.

Against this backdrop, the participation of People’s leader and MP Humam Qader Chowdhury in the 153rd IPU Assembly is expected to provide an opportunity for greater engagement with parliamentarians from different countries and contribute to Bangladesh’s parliamentary diplomacy.

The five-day assembly will conclude on October 9, with participating lawmakers continuing discussions on issues of national, regional and global importance.