TIB demands ethics code for public representatives

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called on the speaker of parliament to determine the fate of Gazi Nazrul Islam’s parliamentary membership, following his arrest and four-day remand in a case of abetment to suicide linked to the death of his second wife, 19-year-old Mariam Khatun.

Gazi Nazrul, Member of Parliament for Satkhira-4, has been accused of having an extramarital relationship with Mariam, arranging a parliamentary job for her, and promising her father a contractor’s licence and government work, before subsequently claiming her as his second wife.

He was then expelled from his party after an internal investigation found him responsible for “moral misconduct.” He has now been arrested over Mariam’s death, which police are treating as unnatural.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, TIB called for an independent investigation into the death and into allegations that it was preceded by sextortion or sexual blackmail.

The organisation also renewed its long-standing demand for a mandatory code of ethical conduct for public representatives.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said no one could be presumed guilty before an allegation was proven, but questioned how other MPs viewed Gazi Nazrul’s continued membership “after being expelled from his party following a party investigation that found him responsible for ‘moral misconduct’.”

He said criminal liability would be determined by the courts, but that ensuring accountability over an MP’s ethics, use of power and public trust was parliament’s responsibility, and called on parliament and the Election Commission to clarify what measures were being taken regarding his status.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman said Article 66(2)(d) of the Constitution disqualifies an MP only upon conviction and a sentence of at least two years for an offence involving moral turpitude, meaning the current allegations, arrest and remand do not, by themselves, trigger disqualification.

He said provisions were needed to address serious ethical misconduct, conflicts of interest, abuse of power, or conduct undermining parliament’s dignity, and called for accountability regarding all allegations against Gazi Nazrul, particularly those concerning sextortion.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman noted that TIB’s proposed Members of Parliament Conduct Bill, 2010, which included provisions on avoiding conflicts of interest and improper recruitment recommendations, was never passed.

He said the Electoral System Reform Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission had since made similar recommendations, including mandatory annual asset declarations, with all political parties expressing consensus.

“The problem has been identified, and the way forward is also known,” he said, asking why there was still no move towards implementation.