Bangladesh Supreme Court Reinstates Jamaat-e-Islami
With the ban lifted, Jamaat-e-Islami can now be formally listed with the Election Commission, allowing it to participate in the election expected by June next year. This development marks a significant shift in Bangladesh's politics, enabling a more inclusive and democratic system to emerge.
The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has reinstated the political registration of Jamaat-e-Islami, the country's largest religious party, allowing it to participate in the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections, expected later this year. This decision overturns a 2013 High Court ruling that had barred the party from participating in elections for over a decade.
Jamaat-e-Islami had lost its legal status under the premiership of Sheikh Hasina, who was removed from power in 2024 and went into exile in India. The party had been opposed by the Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina and her father, the country's founding leader. The ruling opens the way for Jamaat to contest in the upcoming elections, marking a significant development in Bangladesh's politics.
The decision follows the Supreme Court's May 27 decision to overturn the conviction of senior Jamaat leader A.T.M. Islam, who had been sentenced to death in 2014 for alleged war crimes during Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence. This move is seen as a step towards a more democratic and inclusive system in Bangladesh, allowing for the participation of a wider range of political parties.
The restoration of Jamaat-e-Islami's registration is expected to have a significant impact on the country's political landscape, paving the way for a more diverse and representative government. The party's lawyer has welcomed the decision, stating that it will promote a "democratic, inclusive and multi-party system" in Bangladesh.