Play store
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has questioned how Satkhira-4 lawmaker Gazi Nazrul Islam can continue to retain his parliamentary seat despite a series of serious allegations surrounding him.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman called for an impartial and independent investigation into the death of Nazrul’s second wife, Mariam Khatun, as well as allegations of “sextortion” or sexual blackmail preceding her death.
TIB also called for a specialised and mandatory code of ethical conduct for elected representatives.
Iftekharuzzaman said criminal liability would be determined by a court, but Parliament has a responsibility to ensure accountability regarding an MP’s ethics, use of power and public trust.
He urged Parliament and the Election Commission to clarify what action was being taken regarding Nazrul’s parliamentary status.
Under Article 66(2)(d) of the Constitution, a person convicted of a criminal offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced to at least two years in prison becomes disqualified from being an MP.
TIB said this legal threshold should not be used as a shield against addressing serious ethical misconduct, conflicts of interest, abuse of power or conduct that undermines the dignity of Parliament.
Nazrul was expelled by Jamaat-e-Islami in July following an internal investigation into allegations of moral misconduct.
However, his expulsion did not automatically vacate his parliamentary seat. The Election Commission has said it has yet to receive a formal communication from the Speaker on the matter.
Nazrul was recently arrested in a case related to the death of his second wife and was placed on four days’ remand, while his first wife was placed on one day’s remand.
