Leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e Islami, the registration of which was declared ‘illegal’ by the court, failed to meet the Election Commission despite their several attempts. Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad on Monday hinted that Jamaat is not a registered political party as the court order is still in force, which must be taken into account.
Jamaat leaders sought an appointment to meet the commission on Thursday and Sunday to complain that various remarks the commissioners are these days making on the party issue are tarnishing its image.
The commission avoided the Jamaat leaders’ being given appointment on Thursday and Sunday saying they were busy with their scheduled meetings and gave an appointment for Monday. But the commission cancelled it too saying it was also busy with an important meeting.
On August 1, the High Court declared illegal and unconstitutional Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s registration with the Election Commission as a political party. The commission is apparently unwilling to give time to Jamaat leaders as the court order is still in force, which means Jamaat is not registered with the commission now. Asked about it, the CEC said, “We couldn’t give time to Jamaat on earlier two dates because of the commission’s meeting. Today, we also couldn’t and informed them (Jamaat laeders) not to come as we’re busy with an important meeting. Insisted whether the Jamaat leaders will be given appointment on another day, he said the commission will remain busy with its various activities. In reply to a query whether Bangladesh Jamaat-e Islami now can be counted as registered party with the EC, Rakibuddin said, “The court order is still in force… we have to count the order.” – UNB
