In preparation for the upcoming national elections, the Election Commission is advancing the registration process for political parties. Initially, 22 parties deemed eligible to participate in the election have been called for discussions. EC Additional Secretary K. M. Ali Newaz has already met with representatives of several parties, including the Marxist BAP, Bangladesh Justice and Development Party, and Bangladesh Democratic Party.
Meanwhile, parties that failed to meet the registration requirements have been sent letters explaining the reasons for their exclusion. Field-level reports verifying the parties’ central, district, and upazila offices and committees, as well as lists of supporters, have also been submitted to the commission.
The EC stated that after reviewing all information, the notification of registered eligible parties will be published this month. Hearings on parties’ claims and objections will be conducted until 15 September, with plans to publish the gazette for new parties by 30 September.
Earlier, the EC had instructed field officers to conduct on-site verification of the district and upazila offices of the 22 new parties. Reports submitted by 31 August verified the parties’ central, district, and upazila committees, as well as evidence of support from at least 200 voters per committee.
Among the 143 parties that applied for registration, the 22 selected parties are: Forward Party, Amjanatar Dal, Bangladesh Democratic Party (BDP), Bangladesh Reformist Party (BRP), Bangladesh Nezam-e-Islam Party, Bangladesh Socialist Party (Marxist), Bangladesh Justice and Development Party, Jatiya Janata Party, Janatar Dal, Janata Party Bangladesh, Bangladesh Am Janagan Party, National Citizens Party (NCP), Bangladesh National League, Vashani Janashakti Party, Bangladesh Unemployed Liberation Council, Bangladesh Communist Party (Marxist) – CPB(M), Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD–Shahjahan Siraj), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam & Nezam-e-Islam Party, Bangladesh Unemployed Society (Babes), Bangladesh Solution Party, and New Bangladesh Party.
According to the law, to be eligible for registration, a party must have a central committee, at least one-third of district committees, and a minimum of 100 upazila committees. Additionally, if any member was a parliamentarian or the party received at least 5% of votes in previous elections, it may be considered for registration eligibility. Other conditions must also be met
