"It will cast a positive impact on the parliamentary democracy," she told the chairmen of various parliamentary standing committees at her office.

Khaleda Zia underscored the need for further strengthening the parliamentary standing committees that are the 'lifeline' of parliamentary democratic politics.

Welcoming the joining of the opposition members, she expressed her confidence that their participation, though belated, would make the committees more effective.

Chairmen of the parliamentary standing committees on Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Advocate Khandakar Mahbubuddin Ahmed, chairman of the committee on Ministry of Information Ebadur Rahman Chowdhury, Chairman of the committee on Defence Lt General (Retd) M Mahbubur Rahman, Chairman of the standing committee on Finance Ministry Mushfiqur Rahman and chairman of the standing committee on Shipping Ministry Golam Mohammad Siraj were present.

Prime Minister's Political Secretary Harris Chowdhury later told reporters that the meeting was part of a continuous interaction between the standing committee chiefs and the Leader of the House.

So far, a total of 30 standing committee chairmen have met the prime minister in six phases and the remainder will also call on her later, he added.

The chairmen of the standing committees apprised her of their activities over which the PM expressed satisfaction.

She appreciated the reform programmes of the Ministry of Finance on the basis of the recommendation of the parliamentary body.

She underlined the need of reducing rate of interest in the private banks and addressing the default culture in the banking sector. She assured that steps would be taken so the real beneficiaries get loans.