Jamaat expulsion raises questions over whether MP Nazrul can retain parliamentary seat

The debate follows Jamaat's expulsion of the MP over what it called proven "moral misconduct"

The expulsion of Jamaat-e-Islami MP Gazi Nazrul Islam following the circulation of a video showing him in intimate moments with a woman has sparked questions over whether he can retain his parliamentary seat.

Jamaat has said it will immediately notify the Election Commission (EC) of its decision, prompting debate over whether the commission alone can trigger the process, or whether parliament must also intervene.

Election experts told bdnews24.com that the party's decision must be communicated to both the EC and the speaker.

Any action would likely follow written submissions from Jamaat and the MP, followed by an EC hearing.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said the commission would review the matter once it receives the party's letter.

"The commission will examine the issue under the Constitution and the Representation of the People Order (RPO) before making any decision. Let the letter come first," he said, adding that the EC was also awaiting communication from parliament.

Nazrul, elected from Satkhira-4 in February, was expelled on Wednesday after the party said an internal investigation had established “moral misconduct” following the viral video.

The party also resolved to inform the EC immediately.

The controversy has revived memories of former Awami League MP Abdul Latif Siddique, whose expulsion from the party in 2014 triggered legal questions over his parliamentary membership before he resigned in 2015.

Jasmine Tuli, a member of the Election System Reform Commission and a former EC additional secretary, argued that Nazrul's expulsion makes him ineligible to remain an MP because he was elected on the party's nomination.

She said the speaker has the authority to declare the seat vacant, after which the EC would issue the official gazette and announce a by-election schedule.

However, another election commissioner cautioned that the issue was not straightforward.

He noted that Article 66 of the Constitution and the RPO disqualify MPs only after conviction for an offence involving moral turpitude carrying at least two years' imprisonment, while Article 70 deals with resignation from a party or voting against it.

Election analyst Abdul Alim nevertheless maintained that the speaker should declare the seat vacant once Jamaat formally notifies parliament.

Separately, Badiul Alam Majumdar, who led the Election Reform Commission, said parliament's Privileges Committee could also examine whether Nazrul's conduct had brought the House into disrepute, potentially leading to disciplinary action even without a criminal conviction.