The Supreme Court in Bangladesh has dismissed an appeal by the country’s largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, which sought to overturn a 2013 High Court ruling declaring the party illegal. The prohibitory ruling that barred the party from participating in elections was based on the conclusion that it has in essence violated Bangladesh’s constitutional principle of secularism.
As a result of this decision, Jamaat-e-Islami is unable to take part in the forthcoming national elections scheduled for January 7. The verdict was handed down by a five-member bench of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court under the leadership of the Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan.
Following the dismissal of the appeal, the party’s attorney – Matiur Rahman Akanda, spoke to the press. He had previously conveyed his determination to proceed with the case despite facing an injunction plea filed by the opposition.
This verdict comes as a response to a public interest case filed by a leading Sufi group back in January 2009. The group argued for the cancellation of Jamaat-e-Islami’s registration with the Election Commission. A significant factor contributing to public disapproval of Jamaat-e-Islami is the party’s opposition to the formation of Bangladesh during the country’s Liberation War of 1971.
Details about the initial case, the appeal and the final decision can be found here.