Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has raised concerns over the parliamentary status of Gazi Nazrul Islam, the lawmaker representing Satkhira-4, following his recent arrest linked to the death of his second wife, Mariam Khatun. The organization cited allegations of "moral misconduct," abuse of power, and the circumstances surrounding Mariam’s unnatural death as grounds for questioning his continued membership in parliament.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, TIB called for a thorough, impartial, and independent investigation into Mariam’s death, as well as the reported allegations of sextortion related to the case. The watchdog urged the Speaker of the Parliament to take appropriate action to ensure transparency and uphold accountability.

Meanwhile, developments in the legal proceedings have intensified. A Dhaka court on Tuesday ordered the imprisonment of Maksuda Begum, the first wife of Gazi Nazrul Islam, following a one-day remand. Maksuda was produced before Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Ripon Hossain at the conclusion of her remand period, according to Salahuddin, inspector of Tejgaon Detective Branch and the investigating officer in the case.

Gazi Nazrul Islam himself has been under police custody on a four-day remand since Monday and continues to be subject to extensive questioning as part of the investigation. Authorities have not publicly released further details on the nature of the inquiries or potential charges against him.

The case has drawn significant public attention, with calls for accountability reflecting broader concerns about misuse of power by elected officials. The investigation into Mariam Khatun’s death and related allegations remains ongoing.