EC incorporates Jamaat's distinctive 'scale' symbol on its platform
The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, a significant political party in Bangladesh, has officially regained its registration as a political party, along with its traditional electoral symbol, the scales (Dāripalla), following a series of legal proceedings.
The journey began in 2006 when an appeal was filed stating that the scales could not be a symbol of any party, as it is a symbol of justice in the court. However, the Appellate Division, led by then Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan, dismissed this appeal in November 2023 due to the absence of the party's lawyer. Jamaat later appealed this decision, but the appeal was dismissed.
In October 2024, the Appellate Division revived the dismissed appeal, allowing Jamaat to argue its case again. Hearings resumed for the party's case in May 2024 and concluded in the same month. The hearings resumed on 13 May this year and concluded on 14 May, leading to today's final verdict in favor of Jamaat's reinstatement.
The final verdict was announced today, marking a significant milestone for the party. The court has directed the Election Commission (EC) to reinstate Jamaat's registration following the final verdict. The EC, in response, reinstated the registration of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami along with its electoral symbol "Dāripalla" on 3 July. The symbol 'Dāripalla' is now visible next to the registered party Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on the EC website.
The symbol 'Dāripalla' was initially cancelled due to an administrative letter received by the then Election Commission. However, the specific reasons for its reinstatement are not clearly outlined in the available information.
The reinstatement of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami follows the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court overturning a High Court ruling that declared the registration of Jamaat-e-Islami as a political party illegal on 1 June. This overturning of the ruling paved the way for the party's legal battles to continue, ultimately leading to today's final verdict.
Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah stated that the party symbol of scales was cancelled in 2016 based on a full court decision. However, the exact reasons for the cancellation and the subsequent reinstatement remain unclear.
This development marks a significant step for the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, allowing the party to resume its activities under its traditional emblem. For detailed reasoning behind the reinstatement, additional information or specific legal documents would be needed.
[1] Sources: The Daily Star, The Financial Express, The Bangladesh Chronicle, The Independent, The New Age, The Dhaka Tribune.
The reinstatement of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami as a political party, following a series of legal proceedings, has become a notable event in policy-and-legislation, signifying a shift in political matters. The Appellate Division's decision to overturn a High Court ruling, which previously declared Jamaat-e-Islami's registration as illegal, has played a crucial role in this outcome, marking a significant development in general news.
