TIB questions Gazi Nazrul’s membership of parliament

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has raised questions over Satkhira-4 constituency Member of Parliament Gazi Nazrul Islam remaining a member of parliament amid various incidents including allegations of relationship with the teenage Mariam Khatun, giving her a job in parliament and the temptation of giving her father a contracting licence.

In a statement TIB said Gazi Nazrul’s membership of parliament remaining intact even after expulsion from the party on proven ‘moral deviation’ in the party investigation, allegations of abuse of power and later arrest and remand in the case of Mariam’s unnatural death has created questions about the dignity and accountability of parliament on Tuesday (September 22).

At the same time the organisation has demanded an impartial and influence-free investigation into Mariam’s death and the previous allegations of sexual blackmail or ‘sextortion’. Alongside TIB has called for the swift formulation of a specialised and mandatory code of ethical conduct for public representatives.

TIB’s Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said no one can be called a criminal before the allegations are proven. However, there needs to be a system of accountability for the person responsible for the situation that is undignified for parliament and the members of parliament.

He said there are questions over Gazi Nazrul Islam’s membership of parliament remaining intact even after expulsion from the party on proven moral deviation in the party investigation, serious allegations of using position and influence and arrest and remand in the case of the unnatural death of the second wife. The Jatiya Sangsad and the Election Commission must clarify what measures are being taken regarding his parliamentary position.

Iftekharuzzaman further said continuous serious allegations and moral questions surrounding a public representative are a matter of concern for the dignity of the Jatiya Sangsad. The court will determine the criminal liability. However, the responsibility of ensuring accountability on the questions of the morality of the member of parliament, the use of power and the trust of the people lies with parliament.

Mentioning Article 66(2)(d) of the constitution TIB said a person becomes disqualified from remaining a member of parliament if convicted of a criminal offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced to imprisonment for at least two years. As a result Gazi Nazrul’s constitutional disqualification is not created only due to allegations, arrest, remand or the decision of the party investigation.

However, TIB has demanded clarification on what measures will be taken in the case of serious moral deviation, conflict of interest, abuse of power or behaviour that undermines the dignity of parliament. At the same time the organisation has called for ensuring accountability through investigation of all allegations against Gazi Nazrul including abuse of power and sextortion.

TIB informed that the demand for formulating a code of ethical conduct for members of parliament has been their long-standing one. Although ‘The Members of Parliament Conduct Bill, 2010’ was introduced in parliament in 2010 it did not become law. That proposal had provisions such as not using influence for personal interest, avoiding conflict of interest and not making recommendations in appointments, promotions or transfers.

The organisation further informed that the formulation of a separate ‘Member of Parliament Conduct Act’ for members of parliament has also been recommended in the post-2024 state reform proposals. There is also a proposal for enacting a law including the provision of updating the asset statements of public representatives every year.

According to TIB’s version, it is necessary to clarify the reason for not formulating an effective code of ethical conduct even after problems regarding the behaviour of public representatives have been identified.