Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah on Wednesday said Awami League will not be able to participate in the election as long as a ban on its activities remains in effect.
On May 12 this year, the government banned all activities of the Awami League and its associated and affiliated organisations under the Anti-Terrorism Act following allegations of killings, genocide, crimes against humanity, and other grave offences during the July uprising.
Later, the Election Commission (EC) suspended the registration of the Awami League as a political party.
"That political party is not able to carry out any of its activities. So, they cannot participate in any kind of election in the name of that political party," he said.
He added that only time would tell whether the leaders of the suspended party would contest the election as independent candidates, without using the party's symbol.
Sanaullah said if a political party is not declared 'illegal or cancelled' but the government imposes a suspension order on its activities, the registration of that political party and the symbol reserved for it will remain suspended.
Sanaullah also said a person who has been declared a fugitive by any court shall be disqualified for election or for being a member of parliament.
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