TIB questions Nazrul retaining JS seat

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has questioned how Satkhira-4 MP Gazi Nazrul Islam continues to retain his parliamentary seat despite serious allegations against him, his expulsion from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami following an organisational inquiry into alleged “moral misconduct” and his arrest in connection with the death of Mariyam Khatun.

The anti-corruption watchdog also demanded an impartial and independent investigation into Mariyam’s death and the allegations of “sextortion” or sexual blackmail preceding it.

In a statement issued to the media on Tuesday, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said no one can be treated as a criminal before allegations are proved. However, he questioned whether an MP facing such serious allegations should continue to hold office without an institutional response.

He also questioned how other MPs view Nazrul retaining his seat after his party expelled him over what it described as “moral misconduct”, amid allegations of abuse of position and influence and his arrest in a case over Mariyam’s unnatural death.

According to TIB, allegations against Nazrul include an extramarital relationship with teenage Mariyam, offering her a job in Parliament and promising her father government contracts after arranging a contractor’s licence for him. Nazrul later acknowledged Mariyam as his second wife. The controversy led to his expulsion from Jamaat in July. He is now on four-day police remand in a case filed over alleged abetment to suicide following Mariyam’s death.

TIB acknowledged that the allegations, arrest and remand do not by themselves disqualify Nazrul from Parliament. Article 66(2)(d) of the Constitution provides for disqualification where a person has been convicted of a criminal offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced to at least two years’ imprisonment, subject to the constitutional five-year condition.