DOT Desk: [2] Election Commissioner Kabita Khanam said yesterday vote will be held for the Lakshmipur 2 constituency Jatiya Sangsad seat which was declared vacant following the conviction of Shahid Islam alias Kazi Papul on charges of human trafficking and money laundering by a court in Kuwait, reports Jagonews24. [3] She stated “I have received a letter canceling the post of Papul MP. There is a provision to hold elections within 90 days of a parliamentary seat being declared vacant. Accordingly, the Election Commission will hold a meeting and finalize the decision.” [4] Papul’s parliament membership has been revoked in line with Article 66 of the Constitution, according to the gazette notification.
[5] Article 66 provides that a person shall be disqualified for election as, or for being, a member of parliament who has been, on conviction for a criminal offence involving moral turpitude, sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years, unless a period of five years has elapsed since his release.
[6] Papul was arrested in Kuwait in June last year in cases related to human trafficking, residency visa trading and money laundering. He was sent to prison there.