PM oversaw resignation of an allied MP over allegations, but Jamaat couldn’t: Attorney General

The Opposition Party, Jamaat-e-Islami, could not ensure the departure of its controversial lawmaker from parliament, but Prime Minister and ruling party chief Tarique Rahman had performed the very feat by ordering the resignation of treasury bench MP Ferdousi Ahmed Misty, said Attorney General Ruhul Quddus Kazal on Thursday.

He made the remark while announcing the resignation of Misty, BNP’s women reserved seat lawmaker, from the parliament on the PM’s order following allegations that she is involved in the attack on Radda healthcare facility in Mipur.

He drew comparison between Misty’s resignation and that of Jamaat’s Satkhira-4 MP, Gazi Nazrul Islam, who continues in his parliamentary seat despite being expelled from the party over “immoral conduct” involving his second wife.

Jamaat only expelled Gazi Nazrul from the party, but did not force him to quit the parliament, allowing him to continue as a lawmaker, the attorney general said.

The Attorney General said, “Given the position taken by the Prime Minister, a lawmaker from his own party lost her seat. That is a very significant matter.”

“Jamaat could not do it, but Prime Minister Tarique Rahman could,” he said.

He said, “Discipline is extremely important in political parties and in running the state.

Without political discipline, it is difficult to establish overall discipline in a country. There are often allegations against people holding state responsibilities that they cover up the wrongdoing of people from their own party or give them patronage. Misty’s resignation sends a message that such patronage will not be tolerated.”

Ruhul Quddus Kazal said, “No matter how much good you do, one bad deed can overshadow many of your achievements. I think the Prime Minister does not want anyone to have the opportunity to overshadow his many achievements with something. It’s a very clear message.”

The Attorney General said Misty’s resignation was a message not only to the leaders and activists of a political party but also to ordinary citizens, adding, “If anyone becomes involved in activities that harm the state, the person concerned will have to face tough decisions.”

It is worth mentioning that Gazi Nazrul is currently in jail as his second wife, Mariam, took her life amid social media defamation and after expulsion from Jamaat.