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Satkhira-2 MP Abdul Khaleq has drawn criticism for comments he made about the alleged actions of fellow Jamaat-e-Islami MP Gazi Nazrul Islam. Khaleq described the situation as "not unethical, but socially unacceptable," remarks that circulated widely online after videos of his speech were shared.

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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.

During a public reception in Satkhira Sadar upazila, Khaleq recounted a discussion with the first wife of the expelled MP. He stated that the woman insisted she would not marry anyone else and would continue to care for the MP, leading her parents to arrange a marriage at their home. Khaleq then characterized this incident as "socially unacceptable."

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The party did not compromise on ethical standards.

The Jamaat party had expelled Nazrul Islam over the matter, and Khaleq noted that his parliamentary membership would also be canceled, emphasizing that the party "did not compromise on ethical standards." He added that while ordinary people might be forgiven for mistakes, leaders are held to a higher standard due to their responsibilities.

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Ordinary people could be forgiven for mistakes, but leaders were held to a higher standard because of their responsibilities.

Following the backlash, Khaleq issued a statement asserting that only a portion of his speech was circulated, distorting its meaning. He claimed he was merely recounting the woman's words and did not personally defend Nazrul Islam's conduct. Khaleq maintained that his speech's central message focused on ethics, ideals, and leadership accountability, and that attempts to portray him as supportive of the incident were "unfortunate and motivated."

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He said he had not expressed any personal opinion in defence of Nazrul Islam, but had merely recounted what the woman involved had said.