Play store
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for the immediate introduction of a comprehensive, specialised and mandatory code of ethical conduct for elected representatives following recent developments involving Satkhira-4 MP Gazi Mohammad Nazrul Islam.
The anti-graft watchdog also called for an impartial and independent investigation into the death of Mariam Khatun and urged the Jatiya Sangsad and the Election Commission to clarify the lawmaker’s status as an MP.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman made the call in a statement on Tuesday.
TIB said questions have arisen over the continuation of Gazi Nazrul’s membership of parliament following allegations concerning his relationship with Mariam, promises to provide her with a job in parliament and her father with a contractor’s licence and government work, his subsequent claim that Mariam was his second wife, his expulsion from Jamaat-e-Islami after an internal investigation found evidence of “moral misconduct”, and his subsequent arrest in a case filed over the alleged abetment of Mariam’s suicide.
Mariam, 19, was found hanging at a flat in NAM Bhaban in Dhaka on September 20. Her father later filed a case against Gazi Nazrul, his first wife Maksuda Islam and Mariam’s maternal uncle, alleging abetment of suicide. A Dhaka court subsequently placed Gazi Nazrul on four days’ remand and Maksuda on one day’s remand.
TIB called for an impartial investigation into Mariam’s death as well as earlier allegations of sexual harassment or sextortion. It also said necessary steps should be determined to avoid a situation that could undermine the dignity of parliament.
“Before allegations are proven, no one can be held guilty. At the same time, it cannot be acceptable for a person whose conduct has created a situation detrimental to parliament and other MPs to continue as a member of parliament,” Iftekharuzzaman said.
He questioned how other MPs viewed the continuation of Gazi Nazrul’s parliamentary membership following his expulsion from the party over alleged “moral misconduct”, serious allegations concerning the use of his position and influence, and his arrest and remand in the case concerning his second wife’s death.
“Criminal liability will be determined by the court. But parliament has a responsibility to ensure accountability concerning an MP’s ethics, use of power and public trust. Therefore, the Jatiya Sangsad and the Election Commission must immediately clarify what steps are being taken regarding his parliamentary position,” he said.
TIB said Gazi Nazrul has denied the allegations of abetting Mariam’s death, telling reporters that he was not at home at the time and that she died by suicide.
Iftekharuzzaman said Article 66(2)(d) of the Constitution provides that a person is disqualified from being an MP if convicted of a criminal offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced to imprisonment for at least two years.
Therefore, he said, the allegations, arrest, remand or a party’s internal investigation do not, by themselves, create constitutional disqualification from membership of parliament.
However, he said this legal limitation should not become an opportunity to avoid accountability for moral misconduct.
He called for clearer provisions on what measures should be taken in cases involving serious ethical misconduct, conflicts of interest, abuse of power or conduct that undermines the dignity of parliament, including circumstances in which questions could arise about cancellation of an MP’s membership or declaration of a seat as vacant.
He also called for accountability through investigations into all allegations against Gazi Nazrul, including abuse of position and influence and sextortion.
Referring to the Gazi Nazrul episode as an exceptional example of alleged ethical misconduct involving an MP, Iftekharuzzaman said information on ethical lapses by lawmakers had previously emerged through various studies and media reports based on reliable local sources.
He said TIB’s demand for a specialised, comprehensive and mandatory code of conduct for MPs was not new.
He recalled that when the “Members of Parliament Conduct Bill, 2010”, based on a TIB draft, was placed before parliament in 2010, the organisation had called for its speedy passage and the formation of an Ethics Committee with representation from all political parties.
The proposed bill included provisions against using influence for personal interests, avoiding conflicts of interest and making recommendations for appointments, promotions or transfers, he said. However, the initiative did not become law.
He said the issue had again gained importance amid expectations of state reforms following the political changes after 2024.
The Election System Reform Commission has recommended a separate Members of Parliament Conduct Act, while the Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission has also proposed legislation requiring elected representatives to update their asset declarations annually, he said.
Iftekharuzzaman said TIB had reiterated its demand for an effective code of conduct for elected representatives in its post-2024 reform proposals and recommendations submitted to the current government in 2026.
“The problem has been identified and the way forward is also known. Why, then, is there no interest in implementation? This question must be answered,” he said.
The controversy surrounding Gazi Nazrul began after videos showing him with Mariam circulated on social media in July. He subsequently identified her as his second wife, while Jamaat-e-Islami expelled him on July 22 following an internal investigation that the party said had found evidence of “moral misconduct”.
Mariam’s body was recovered from a flat at NAM Bhaban on September 20. Her father subsequently filed the case alleging abetment of suicide, and a court ordered a four-day remand for Gazi Nazrul. The allegations in the case remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
