EC awaits parliament reference before acting on expelled Jamaat MP

The Election Commission (EC) will take the necessary action regarding Satkhira-4 lawmaker Gazi Nazrul Islam, who was expelled from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami over allegations of moral misconduct, after receiving a reference from parliament.

"Following the expulsion of Satkhira-4 MP Gazi Nazrul Islam from Jamaat-e-Islami, the Commission will take action regarding his membership of Parliament only after the matter is officially referred to the EC by Parliament," he said.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mashud remarked while responding to a question from journalists at his office at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital's Agargaon area today (23 July).

The election commissioner said the EC has not yet received any reference from Parliament in this regard.

"Once such a reference is received, the Commission will examine the matter through an investigation and the necessary hearing in accordance with the law," he said.

Replying to another question, Abdur Rahmanel said that if Parliament refers the matter to the EC, the Commission will consider it and make a decision after a proper investigation and hearing.

He said Gazi Nazrul Islam will continue to serve as an MP until the matter is resolved.

"However, if he resigns from the post of MP, the matter will no longer fall under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission," he added.

The commissioner said resigning as a lawmaker and resigning from a political party are two separate issues.

"If parliament follows the necessary procedure and refers the matter to the EC, the Commission will take action in accordance with the law," he said.

Abdur Rahmanel said such matters should be referred to the EC by the Speaker's office, reports BSS.

According to the Article 70 of the Constitution, a person elected as a member of Parliament at an election at which he was nominated as a candidate by a political party shall vacate his seat if he (a) resigns from that party or (b) votes in Parliament against that party, reports UNB.

An MP may also lose parliamentary membership if he or she becomes disqualified under Article 66 of the Constitution. The qualifications and disqualifications for election to parliament are mentioned in the article 66.

The article 66 (1) (d) states that a person shall be disqualified for election as, or for being, a member of Parliament who has been, on conviction for a criminal offence involving moral turpitude, sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years, unless a period of five years has elapsed since his release.