Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called on the country’s parliament to take decisive action regarding the ongoing allegations against lawmaker Gazi Nazrul, emphasizing concerns over maintaining the institution’s ethical standards. The organization stressed the need for parliamentary clarity on the lawmaker’s status amid serious accusations that have raised questions about the dignity of the legislature.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB, acknowledged that allegations alone do not amount to guilt and that legal due process must be respected. However, he questioned whether a member of parliament facing such serious charges should continue serving without being subject to an ethical accountability framework. He urged both parliament and the Election Commission to disclose what measures, if any, are being considered concerning Gazi Nazrul’s parliamentary membership.

Referring to Article 66(2)(d) of the Bangladesh Constitution, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman highlighted that a lawmaker must be disqualified only if convicted of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude and sentenced to at least two years in prison. He clarified that mere allegations, arrest, or internal party investigations do not constitute grounds for automatic disqualification under the constitutional provisions. Nonetheless, he argued that parliament should not allow this legal threshold to serve as a barrier to addressing ethical misconduct effectively.

TIB called for the establishment of clear provisions dealing specifically with serious ethical violations, including conflicts of interest, abuse of power, and any conduct that undermines parliament’s integrity. The organization advocated for defined circumstances under which a member’s parliamentary membership could be revoked or the seat declared vacant based on ethical considerations.

In line with its ongoing reform agenda, TIB reiterated its demand for a robust code of conduct governing elected public officials. The watchdog noted that such a code was included in its 2026 reform proposals submitted to the government but expressed frustration over the lack of progress in implementing these recommendations.

“The problem has been identified, and the way forward is also known — so why is there still no interest in implementation?” Dr. Iftekharuzzaman questioned, underscoring the urgency for legislative and institutional reforms to uphold accountability and public trust in the country’s political system.