Bangladesh's Largest Islamic Party Banned From Next General Election

Court has ruled that its regulations oppose secularism

DHAKA, Bangladesh -- A Bangladesh court has disqualified the country's largest Islamic party from taking part in the next general election, saying it opposes secularism.

The High Court panel ruled Thursday that the opposition Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party's regulations violate the constitutional provision of secularism.

The ruling comes four years after a group of citizens filed a petition seeking to cancel Jamaat's registration with the Election Commission, saying the party wants to introduce Islamic Shariah law in the Muslim-majority country.