The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court today overturned a previous High Court verdict that had declared Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s registration illegal, clearing the way for the party's return to electoral politics.

A four-member bench led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed announced the ruling, directing the Election Commission to reinstate Jamaat’s registration. The court also stated that the EC will decide whether Jamaat can use its traditional election symbol, the scales.

Jamaat’s registration was initially cancelled by the High Court in 2013, and later formally revoked by the EC in 2018. 

Eralier on August 1, 2013, the High Court cancelled Jamaat's registration with the EC following a writ petition.

MN/