Jamaat’s registration to remain cancelled
Staff Reporter :
The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Sunday dismissed an appeal petition filed against a High Court verdict that declared illegal Jamaat’s registration with the Election Commission (EC) as a political party.
A five-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan passed the order (dismissed for default) after rejecting a time prayer placed on behalf of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.
Since A J Mohammad Ali, principal counsel for Jamaat’s appeal hearing, could not appear in the court for personal difficulties, lawyer Md Ziaur Rahman on behalf of Mohammad Ali placed a petition seeking six weeks time.
He told the court a petition had been placed for the adjournment of the hearing.
Addressing lawyer Md Ziaur Rahman the Chief Justice said, “Petition (time petition) has been refused. You place appeal petition.”
In one stage the apex court asked the lawyer, “Where is the Advocate on Record of the appellant?” Then the lawyer replied that he (Advocate on Record) was also not present. Then the court said, “Dismissed for default.”
Rezaul Haque Chandpuri, Secretary General of Bangladesh Tariqat Federation, along with 24 others filed a writ petition with the HC on January 25, 2009, seeking its order declaring Jamaat’s registration illegal.
Following the writ petition, the HC on August 1, 2013, declared illegal Jamaat’s registration with the EC. Jamaat then filed the appeal petitions with the apex court challenging the HC verdict.
The EC scrapped the registration of Jamaat-e-Islami in October 2018, making it clear that the party will not be able to contest any election using its name or banner.
Barrister Tania Amir who appeared in the court hearing on behalf of the writ petitioners said the HC verdict that cancelled Jamaat-e-Islami’s registration with the EC will remain in force.
Lawyer Matiur Rahman Akanda, one of the counsels for the Jamaat-e-Islami, said they will take further legal action regarding the issue after consulting with their client (authorities of Jamaat).
He further said, “The case was regarding the legality of the registration of Jammat with the EC.
The court gave an opinion on it. However, the political activities of Jamaat will continue naturally.
There is no scope for banning politics as per the Constitution. Jamaat will get the opportunity to continue with its politics.”
Recently Jamaat got government’s permission to hold rally. In the meantime, demand created to return EC registration to Jamaat.
In this context, Rezaul Haque Chandpuri and two others filed the two petitions with the Appellate Division on June26 this year seeking ban on Jamaat activities and drawing contempt charges against its leaders.
Lawyer Matiur said the apex court refused to entertain two petitions including a contempt of court petition against Jamaat leaders, as it has already dismissed the appeal of Jamaat from which the two petitions were raised.
