Jamaat's registration
I am an Anglo-Bangladeshi, now living in New Zealand. I visit Bangladesh every two years as I still have my old mother living in Chittagong. I also follow Bangladesh politics and other activities as my heart still remains where I was born. It was interesting to see how the Jamaat amended its constitution and removed many of the clauses which were anti-constitutional, on the advice of the Election Commission. It is also interesting to note that the Jamaat allows non-Muslims to be "Associate" members of the party, although I am not sure how practical will that be for non-Muslims to live with the Jamaat and its ideology.
Although the Jamaat 'officially' allows non-Muslims to be (associate) members of the party, there remains a gross violation of a constitutional provision. This relates to taking oath by a non-Muslim promising to defend the sovereignty and independence of Bangladesh which does not apply to Muslims seeking membership. This discriminatory clause is in violation of the Articles 26, 27 and 29 (Part III; Fundamental Rights) of the constitution of Bangladesh.
Would the EC revisit this aspect before granting registration to the Jamaat?
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