The Election Commission (EC) on Monday night suspended the registration of Awami League as a political party, hours after the government issued a notification in this regard.
EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed the matter at a press briefing at 9pm.
Earlier, in the afternoon, the government issued a notification banning all the political activities of Awami League and its affiliated bodies until trials against the party members are completed at the International Crimes Tribunal.
While talking to reporters, Akhtar has declared that the commission suspended the registration in light of the Home Ministry’s notification.
Party registration is a prerequisite for participation in national parliamentary elections. As a result of the suspension, the Awami League is now disqualified from contesting the forthcoming national election.
The registration system was first introduced by the EC prior to the 9th parliamentary elections in 2008. In the last four general elections, a total of 55 political parties secured registration.
The Awami League held registration number 6 and used the boat as its electoral symbol. With the suspension of its registration, the party is no longer eligible to participate in any elections.
Currently, 49 political parties remain registered with the Election Commission. The Awami League’s registration is now suspended. Previously, the registrations of five parties – Jamaat-e-Islami, Freedom Party, United Citizen Movement, PDP, and JAGPA – were annulled for failing to meet registration criteria, non-compliance, or pursuant to court orders.
In addition to the Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commissioners Md Anwarul Islam Sarker and Abdur Rahmanel Masud were present at the meeting.
EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, along with Joint Secretary of the Legal Division Faruk Ahmed and other officials, provided legal opinions during the proceedings.
According to Article 90 Ja (1), Clause 1(b) of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), a political party’s registration may be cancelled if it is declared banned by the government.
