The Election Commission (EC) stated that it cannot decide the consequence of Satkhira-4 lawmaker Gazi Nazrul Islam’s parliamentary seat solely because he has been expelled from his political party, stressing that any action must follow the constitutional process.
Speaking to reporters at the Election Commission headquarters in Dhaka on Thursday, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said, "The Commission would only consider the matter after receiving a formal communication from Parliament.”
He explained that, under Bangladesh’s Constitution, expulsion from a political party does not automatically result in the loss of a parliamentary seat.
Instead, the law distinguishes between resignation from a political party and expulsion by that party.
Masud further said, "The Commission would examine the legal position once Parliament formally referred the matter.”
He added that such a referral must come through the Speaker before the EC can take any further steps.
His comments came a day after Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami announced the expulsion of Gazi Nazrul Islam following an internal disciplinary investigation.
The party stated that it had found the Satkhira-4 MP guilty of moral misconduct and removed him under Article 62 of its constitution.
The disciplinary action followed the circulation of a video on social media that allegedly showed the lawmaker with a young woman. The footage quickly attracted widespread public attention and prompted extensive media coverage. Jamaat said its decision was based on the findings of its own organisational inquiry.
During the briefing, the election commissioner also outlined the Election Commission’s preparations for local government polls.
He said, "The Commission intends to begin the next phase of the electoral process with elections to municipalities and union parishads.”
According to him, there are no disagreements between the EC and the government over the planned polls, with October being considered as the likely timeframe.
The final election schedule, he said, will be determined after taking into account practical considerations, including weather conditions and public examination timetables.
The Commission has maintained that all decisions relating to elections and parliamentary representation will be taken strictly in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws, with procedural requirements guiding every stage of the process.
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