Dhaka, Bangladesh – In a landmark decision on Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh reinstated the political registration of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, overturning a 2013 ban imposed by the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The ruling, which allows the controversial Islamist party to re-enter the political arena and contest the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections, has sparked widespread debate and concern about its potential to destabilize Bangladesh’s fragile political landscape.
The 2013 ban on Jamaat-e-Islami, enacted under Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government, was based on allegations that the party incited violence and promoted extremist ideologies. The decision followed years of controversy surrounding the party’s role in the 1971 Liberation War, where it was accused of collaborating with Pakistani forces, and its subsequent involvement in political violence, particularly during the 2013–2014 protests against war crime trials. The ban stripped Jamaat-e-Islami of its ability to participate in elections, forcing its leaders to operate underground or through proxies.
The reinstatement comes amid a transitional period in Bangladesh, following the ousting of Hasina’s government in August 2024 after widespread student-led protests over job quotas and economic grievances. The interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, lifted an executive ban on Jamaat-e-Islami earlier in 2024, paving the way for the Supreme Court’s ruling. The court’s decision, handed down by a bench addressing a petition from the party, restores its legal status, allowing it to organize, campaign, and field candidates in the upcoming elections expected in early 2026.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s lawyer, Mohammad Shishir Manir, celebrated the verdict as a “triumph over a politically motivated injustice,” arguing that the 2013 ban violated the party’s constitutional right to political participation. In a statement, Manir emphasized that the reinstatement would allow Jamaat-e-Islami to contribute to Bangladesh’s democratic process, framing it as a victory for political inclusivity.
However, critics warn that the decision could reignite tensions in an already polarized nation. Jamaat-e-Islami’s history of alleged ties to militancy, including reported links to Pakistan-based groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, has long made it a lightning rod for controversy. The party’s advocacy for an Islamic state and its polarizing rhetoric have raised fears of heightened communal and political unrest as Bangladesh approaches a critical electoral showdown. Posts on X reflect public anxiety, with some users warning that the ruling could embolden extremist elements, while others view it as a step toward restoring political freedoms curtailed under Hasina’s rule.
The reinstatement of Jamaat-e-Islami comes at a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, which is grappling with the aftermath of the 2024 political upheaval. The interim government under Muhammad Yunus has pledged to hold free and fair elections, but the return of Jamaat-e-Islami introduces new complexities. The party, which commands a significant following among conservative voters, could reshape the electoral landscape, challenging major players like the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Critics argue that Jamaat-e-Islami’s participation risks inflaming communal tensions, particularly given its history of violent protests and alleged support for extremist groups. The 2013 ban was partly justified by incidents like the Hefazat-e-Islam-led violence, which saw Jamaat-e-Islami supporters clash with security forces. Recent reports, including a May 2025 claim by Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, have linked the party to foreign-backed destabilization efforts, further fueling concerns about its role in the upcoming elections.
On the other hand, supporters of the reinstatement argue that excluding Jamaat-e-Islami from the political process risks further alienating its base, potentially driving supporters toward underground militancy. The Yunus administration’s decision to lift the executive ban reflects a broader push for political reconciliation, aiming to stabilize the country by integrating all factions into the democratic framework. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling has intensified fears that the party’s return could lead to a resurgence of violence, particularly in urban centers like Dhaka and Chittagong, where Jamaat-e-Islami has historically mobilized large protests.
The reinstatement occurs against a backdrop of regional geopolitical shifts. Bangladesh’s political instability since 2024 has drawn attention from neighboring countries, particularly India, which has expressed concerns about the rise of Islamist groups. Allegations of Jamaat-e-Islami’s ties to Pakistan-based militant organizations, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, have heightened India’s scrutiny, given the party’s potential to influence Bangladesh’s foreign policy and security dynamics. The interim government’s balancing act—promoting democratic inclusivity while managing extremist risks—will be closely watched by regional and global powers.
As Bangladesh prepares for the 13th parliamentary elections, the reinstatement of Jamaat-e-Islami introduces both opportunities and challenges. The party’s return could broaden political participation, fulfilling demands for a more inclusive democracy. However, its controversial history and polarizing ideology raise legitimate fears of unrest, particularly if it leverages its platform to mobilize supporters aggressively. The Yunus administration and the Election Commission face the daunting task of ensuring a transparent electoral process while mitigating risks of violence and polarization.
The Supreme Court’s decision marks a turning point in Bangladesh’s political trajectory, testing the resilience of its democratic institutions. As debates rage on social media and in political circles, the nation stands at a crossroads, with the specter of Jamaat-e-Islami’s return shaping the narrative of the upcoming elections. Whether this move strengthens Bangladesh’s democracy or fuels further instability remains to be seen, but the stakes could not be higher.