Dhaka, Jun 01 (V7N) – In a major legal turnaround, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has quashed the High Court's previous verdict that declared the registration of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami as a political party illegal. Simultaneously, the apex court has directed the Election Commission (EC) to restore the party’s registration.

A four-member bench of the Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, delivered the judgment on Sunday morning (June 1). The ruling clears the path for Jamaat-e-Islami to once again function as a legally recognized political party in Bangladesh.

Background of the Case

In 2009, Syed Rezaul Haque Chandpuri and 25 others filed a writ petition challenging the legality of Jamaat’s registration with the Election Commission. After lengthy hearings, the High Court in 2013 declared the registration unconstitutional based on a majority opinion of a three-member bench.

Jamaat filed a leave to appeal in 2013, but the Chamber Judge Court rejected a plea to stay the verdict, prompting the Election Commission to officially cancel Jamaat’s registration on December 7, 2018.

Political Implications and Government Actions

The previous Awami League-led government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, had banned Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir on August 1, 2024, citing national security and constitutional grounds. However, following the student-led mass uprising that ousted the government on August 5, an interim government took over and revoked the ban on August 8.

Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court further cements Jamaat’s legal and political reinstatement, offering the party a fresh opportunity to re-enter the formal political arena.

Legal Representation

During the appeal hearing on May 14, prominent lawyers including Ehsan A Siddique and Mohammad Shishir Monir represented Jamaat-e-Islami, while Touhidul Islam appeared for the Election Commission.

Legal experts say the court’s verdict implies that the original EC registration of Jamaat stands validated, and the 2018 cancellation must now be reversed.

The Election Commission is now constitutionally bound to comply with the court’s directive.

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