CPA is driving force to develop democracy: Speaker

Speaker of the Parliament and Chairperson of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) executive committee Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury yesterday said CPA is working as a driving force to develop democracy among the member countries.

"To develop democracy, establish the equal rights among people and ensure their participation in social equality, CPA is working as a driving force," she said.

A press release issued here today said the Speaker was addressing at a programme organized to mark the Commonwealth Day under the theme 'A Young Commonwealth' at Westminster Abbey in London yesterday.

Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince William, Kate William were present at the progamme.

Urging to involve more youth in democratic progress, she said, "CPA is helping to flourish democracy by training the young parliament members about the parliamentary norms, rules and regulations."

She requested the CPA members to work together to face the challenges of food and power security, climate change and to build sustainable economic and social development.