Latif to remain MP: Chief whip

Chief Whip ASM Feroz today said former minister Abdul Latif Siddique would remain a parliament member for the time being.

The comment came amid a debate as to whether Latif will remain an MP after being stripped of his ministerial position, his party’s presidium post and suspension of his primary membership of the Awami League.

“The existing provision for scrapping parliament membership is not applicable to Latif,” Feroz said at a press briefing at the Jatiya Sangsad Media Centre, reports the Bangla daily Prothom Alo.

“He (Latif) has not voted or moved against his party, nor has he quit. His issue does not fall in the rule of floor-crossing,” Feroz said.

“Latif’s issue has created some complications since the law has no specific direction in the regard.”

“If any controversy arises out of the issue, the Speaker will decide on the matter after the interpretation of the law once she comes back to the country,” Feroz added.

Latif drew flak from several quarters both home and abroad after his “demeaning” remarks on hajj, Tablighi Jamaat, prime minister’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and journalists.

Earlier on Sunday, Awami League removed Latif from its presidium and suspended his primary membership of the party. Hours earlier he was also fired from the cabinet.