'Return to rightful place,' says Jamaat ameer on registration reinstatement

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman today (1 June) welcomed the Appellate Division verdict reinstating the party's registration, calling it a "return to rightful place" after more than a decade-long legal battle.

"By a unanimous verdict of the Appellate Division, the highest court of the country, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami regained its registration. We give thanks to Allah, Al-hamdulillah," said Shafiqur Rahman in an official statement.

"After more than a decade of legal struggle, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, as a party, has today regained its rightful place. Through this verdict, another injustice and oppression has ended. We are satisfied with this verdict of the Appellate Division," he added.

He noted that Jamaat had participated in national elections with the Scale (Daripalla) symbol, maintaining due process both before and after the enactment of the Political Party Registration Rules in 2008. 

"Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami had significant representation in all participatory national elections," he added.

The Ameer stated that the party was registered with the Election Commission on 4 November 2008. However, on 25 January 2009, a writ petition was filed in the High Court seeking to cancel the registration. 

The High Court issued a divided verdict on 1 August 2013, cancelling the registration, prompting Jamaat to appeal.

"We once again express our gratitude to Almighty Allah. We sincerely thank all the learned lawyers and well-wishers who assisted us throughout this long legal process," Shafiqur Rahman said.

He added, "Today's verdict has ensured justice and created an opportunity for the people to exercise their right to vote. We hope that through this verdict, the politics of Bangladesh will gain a new dimension, Insha'Allah."

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court today scrapped a previous High Court ruling that had declared Jamaat's registration illegal and directed the Election Commission to restore it.

The verdict, delivered by a seven-member bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, also stated that the EC would decide whether Jamaat may contest elections using the Scale symbol.

The verdict also follows the recent acquittal and release of Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam, previously sentenced to death for 1971 war crimes. According to Jamaat's legal team, the latest ruling removes all legal barriers to the party's participation in national polls.