Dhaka: The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has approved an appeal filed by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, contesting the High Court decision that declared the party’s registration unlawful.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the judgment was delivered by a four-member Appellate Division bench headed by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed. The court instructed the Election Commission to resolve pending issues concerning Jamaat-e-Islami, including its registration status.
Barrister Ehsan A Siddiq and Advocate Mohammad Shishir Manir represented Jamaat in the hearings, while Advocate Touhidul Islam argued on behalf of the Election Commission. Advocate Manir expressed that the legal proceedings, which spanned over a decade, culminated successfully with the Supreme Court restoring Jamaat’s registration. He anticipated receiving the short order soon and planned to approach the Election Commission to expedite the registration process.
Jamaat’s counsel argued that the party’s registration had been revoked due to a politically motivated public interest litigation (PIL). He emphasized that the verdict by the apex court would ensure multiparty democracy and a participatory parliament in Bangladesh. He expressed hope for a vibrant parliamentary environment and constructive debates, leading to a strengthened democratic framework in the country.
The Appellate Division had previously set a date for pronouncing the judgment on Jamaat’s plea, following the restoration of the party’s appeal against the High Court verdict in October 2024. The initial High Court judgment in 2013, which deemed Jamaat’s registration illegal, was contested by the party, leading to a series of legal battles.
The High Court’s 2013 judgment, delivered by a three-member bench, concluded that the registration granted to Jamaat by the Election Commission exceeded lawful authority. The subsequent cancellation of registration by the Election Commission in December 2018 prompted Jamaat to appeal, eventually leading to today’s verdict by the Supreme Court.