What’s next for Awami League?

Published : Saturday, 18 July, 2026 at 9:03 PM

Observer Online Report

With its registration suspended and political activities restricted, the Awami League is facing fresh uncertainty over its participation in the upcoming local government elections, as questions have emerged over whether its leaders and supporters will be able to contest the polls independently.

The Awami League has been going through a prolonged political crisis, with its organisational activities largely limited for nearly two years. Many of its top leaders, including the party president, are reportedly staying abroad, while several others are in custody. A large number of party activists have also remained inactive in politics.

The party was unable to participate in the national election held in February due to a ban on its activities. As local government elections are approaching, discussions have intensified over whether Awami League leaders will contest as independent candidates, as the polls will not be held under party symbols.

However, a new challenge has emerged following an application submitted by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami to the Election Commission (EC), seeking to prevent any Awami League leader or supporter from contesting the local government elections while the party’s registration remains suspended.

In its written application to the EC, Jamaat argued that allowing Awami League leaders to participate in the local elections while the party’s registration is suspended would be inconsistent with existing laws and regulations. The party demanded that the same policy applied during the national election be maintained for local government polls as well.

Jamaat leaders said ensuring equal enforcement of the law for all political parties is the responsibility of the Election Commission.

Following the suspension of its registration, the Awami League is no longer listed among the active registered political parties with the EC. As a result, the party’s participation in elections under its electoral symbol remains subject to legal complications.

Election experts said that without restoration of its registration, the Awami League may face difficulties in participating in elections as a political party. The same legal issue could also arise in the case of local government polls.

The government is preparing to hold elections for local government bodies. Political analysts believe that if the Election Commission maintains the existing legal position following Jamaat’s application, the Awami League’s participation in the upcoming local elections could be further restricted.

However, some analysts believe that although the party may not be able to contest officially, former Awami League leaders or individuals backed by the party could still participate as independent candidates. Similar indications have also come from the ruling BNP at different times.

All eyes are now on the Election Commission’s decision. The final outcome will depend on how the commission considers Jamaat’s application, existing laws, court directives, and the current status of the Awami League’s registration.

Meanwhile, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told the media that recommendations received from various political parties, institutions, individuals, and organisations regarding the proposed election code of conduct are being reviewed. The recommendations will be placed before the Election Commission meeting on Tuesday.

-HIS