Following the political shift brought about by the July Uprising on August 5, there has been a surge in the formation of new political parties. Over the past year, nearly two dozen new parties have been established.
Among these, six parties have received registration from the Election Commission (EC), granting them the right to contest elections with their electoral symbols.
EC officials have stated that while new parties may form, without official registration, they are not recognized by the commission. The EC only works with registered political entities, and therefore, unregistered parties must complete the registration process to enter electoral politics. This process is currently underway.
According to EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, six political parties have been granted registration certificates over the past year. These parties had submitted applications earlier, and most obtained registration following court orders.
The parties registered are as follows: Amar Bangladesh Party -AB Party (symbol Eagle), led by Mojibur Rahman Monju, received registration on August 21 last year; Nagorik Oikya, led by Mahmudur Rahman Manna (symbol: Kettle), and Gono Adhikar Parishad by Nurul Haque Nur (symbol: Truck) were both registered on September 2; Zonayed Saki’s Gonosonghoti Andolon (symbol: Matthal) on September 17; AKM Anwarul Islam Chan’s Bangladesh Development Party (symbol: Cauliflower) on February 2 this year; and Sukriti Kumar Mandal's Bangladesh Minority Janata Party (symbol: Rocket) on April 9.
According to various sources, at least 23 new parties have been formed between August last year—after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government—and April of this year. Several of these parties have already applied for registration with the EC. However, none have passed the initial screening process.
On August 23, 2024, the Nucleus Party of Bangladesh (NPB) was launched, followed by the Nationalist Democratic Party on September 8, the World Muslim Community on September 19, Samata Party on September 20, Bangladesh Popular Party (BPP) on September 23, Sovereignty Movement on September 27, Bangladesh Reformist Party (BRP) on November 15, Bangladesh Muktir Dak on November 16, Bangladesh Jagroto Party on November 28, Bangladesh Democratic Party (BDP) on November 30, and the National Revolutionary Party on December 16.
In 2025, Desh Janata Party was formed on January 4; Aam Janatar Dol and Bangladesh Democratic Shokti on January 28; Bangladesh Social Democratic Party (BSDP) on February 18; Bangladesh Jan-Adhikar Party on February 19; National Citizen Party (NCP) on February 28; Janatar Bangladesh Party on March 13; Janatar Dol on March 20; Democratic Citizens’ Force on April 11; Bhashani Janashokti Party on April 13; Bangladesh A-Am Janata Party (later renamed Aam Janogon Party) on April 17; and Janata Party Bangladesh on April 25.
Among these, the National Citizens’ Party (NCP)—formed by student leaders active in the anti-fascist movement—has drawn significant attention. Others that have generated interest include Aam Janogon Party, reportedly founded by Destiny Group’s Rafiqul Amin; Aam Janatar Dol, formed by a faction that split from Gono Adhikar Parishad; and Janata Party Bangladesh, led by actor Ilias Kanchan.
Despite the emergence of new parties, the question remains whether they will secure registration.
It is reported that when applications were invited for party registration, a total of 145 parties—both old and new—applied. Many of these had applied previously without success. Observers believe that very few of them are likely to be registered this time as well. In the initial screening round, none of the applicants met the criteria. As a result, they were asked to fulfill the necessary conditions by August 3. However, not all parties complied, and those who failed to respond have now lost the opportunity.
EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said that of the 145 parties that applied for registration, 80 responded to the request for additional information by the 3 August deadline. Six parties requested an extension, while 59 did not respond at all.
He added that the issue of failing to respond or complete the documentation would be presented before the Commission. The applications of the 80 responsive parties are currently under review, and further steps will be taken if deficiencies remain.
According to the law, a party seeking registration must have a central committee, active committees in one-third of the districts and in 100 upazilas (sub-districts), and proof of support from at least 200 voters in each committee. A party is also eligible for registration if it has had any elected Member of Parliament in the past or secured five percent of the votes in the last national election. In addition to these core criteria, several other rules and procedures must be followed during application, and these are considered during the initial screening.
Once the EC receives applications, it conducts a preliminary screening, followed by on-site verification of the party's claims. Afterwards, a public notice is issued, inviting objections. If objections are raised, hearings are conducted and resolved. If no objections are submitted, the EC grants registration certificates to the eligible parties. Without registration, a party cannot nominate candidates under its electoral symbol.
Currently, the number of registered political parties stands at 51 (including the Awami League). The party registration system was introduced ahead of the 2008 parliamentary elections. Although 55 parties have received registration to date, the EC has revoked the registration of five parties due to failure to meet conditions, violations, or court orders.
These five are Jamaat-e-Islami, Freedom Party, United Citizens’ Movement, PDP, and JAGPA. Although the courts recently reinstated the registrations of Jamaat-e-Islami and JAGPA, the EC has only restored Jamaat’s registration so far.
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