Hanif hopes for ban on Jamaat by next March

Awami League (AL) Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif yesterday hoped that the decision over banning Jamaat-e-Islami would be finalised by March next year.

"The High Court ordered a ban on Jamaat while the party's registration has already been cancelled. The case in this regard is in the Appellate Division now. Legal proceedings have been continuing. I hope the matter would be resolved within March next year," he said at a press briefing at the Dhanmondi office of AL President Sheikh Hasina.

The Daily Star contacted officials of the law and home ministries, but did not find any initiative on the preparation of proposals regarding banning Jamaat. But a senior official of the home ministry informed that there had been talks in this regard.

"But the ministry has not yet started the process," he told The Daily Star wishing anonymity.

Earlier in August 2013, the High Court declared Jamaat-e-Islami's registration as a political party illegal.

Later on June 1, 2015, the then Election Commission cancelled Jamaat-e-Islami's registration. 

On Wednesday's murder attempt on an Italian citizen in Dinajpur, Hanif said the attempt was a heinous effort to hinder the ongoing trial of war criminals.

"BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her ally Jamaat tried in vain many times in the past to stall the trial of the war criminals," he added.

People rejected yesterday's hartal called by Jamaat as public lives remain normal despite the hartal, he claimed.