Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury

Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of the Parliament of Bangladesh

Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury is the first-ever woman Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament. She is a Member of the 11th Parliament of Bangladesh (24 Rangpur-6) from the Bangladesh Awami League. Dr. Chaudhury was elected as Chairperson of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Executive Committee on October 09, 2014, for a term of three years. Shirin was the State Minister for Women & Children Affairs (2009-2013). Serving in the said position, Shirin actively engaged in promoting gender equality and women empowerment. National Women Development Policy 2010, Children Policy 2011, and Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010 were formulated under her leadership. Dr. Chaudhury received Commonwealth Gender Chair on behalf of Bangladesh for year 2010-2011. Dr. Chaudhury, an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, enrolled with Bangladesh Bar Council, had been a practicing lawyer for the last sixteen years.