Satkhira-2 MP Abdul Khaleq has drawn criticism after describing the alleged actions of fellow Jamaat-e-Islami MP Gazi Nazrul Islam as "not unethical, but socially unacceptable"
He later claimed his remarks had been taken out of context and misrepresented.
Khaleq made the comments on Satjhira-4 MP Nazrul Islam while addressing a public reception organised by Jamaat's Shibpur union unit at Godaghata Southpara Jame Mosque in Satkhira Sadar upazila on Thursday night.
Referring to Nazrul Islam, Khaleq said, "We sat with the MP's (Gazi Nazrul Islam's) first wife and the others for a discussion.
"The young woman insisted, 'I will not marry anyone else. As long as I live, I will continue to care for the MP.' Faced with her insistence, her parents eventually agreed and arranged the marriage at their home."
Khaleq then said the incident was "not unethical, but socially unacceptable".
He added that Jamaat had expelled Nazrul Islam over the matter and that his parliamentary membership would also be cancelled.
“The party did not compromise on ethical standards,” he added.
He further said ordinary people could be forgiven for mistakes, but leaders were held to a higher standard because of their responsibilities.
The remarks triggered widespread criticism on social media and elsewhere after videos of his speech circulated online.
In a statement issued following the backlash, Khaleq said only part of his speech had been circulated, distorting its meaning and damaging his reputation.
He said he had not expressed any personal opinion in defence of Nazrul Islam, but had merely recounted what the woman involved had said.
Khaleq said the central message of his speech was about ethics, ideals and leadership accountability. He maintained that allegations of unethical conduct against those in leadership positions should be treated seriously and that there should be no compromise on moral standards.
He described attempts to portray him as supporting the incident by selectively quoting his remarks as "unfortunate and motivated".
