The Election Commission (EC) has invited applications from political parties seeking registration to contest in the national election with their own electoral symbols.
The announcement came through an official notification issued on Monday by EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.
Aspiring parties must submit their applications by April 20 to be considered for registration, the notification said.
The newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), spearheaded by student leaders of the July-August mass uprising, has stepped into the political arena but is yet to apply for registration with the EC.
Without registration, the party will be unable to contest the national elections.
The interim government, led by Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, plans to hold parliamentary elections by late 2025 or mid-2026.
However, discussions within the leadership are going on regarding the necessary documentation and procedural requirements for registration, sources said.
Under the EC regulations, to secure EC registration, NCP must submit a formal application along with key documents, including its constitution, election manifesto, rules and regulations, party logo and flag, a list of central executive committee members, details of its bank accounts and funding sources, and proof of securing at least five percent of the vote in any constituency.
The party must also establish an active central office, functional district offices in at least one-third of administrative districts, and operational offices in 100 upazilas or metropolitan police precincts, with a minimum of 200 registered supporters in each location.
Additionally, a non-refundable Tk5,000 registration fee must be deposited through treasury challan.
Currently, 49 political parties hold EC registration, a prerequisite for contesting national elections. However, proposed election system reforms could make it easier for emerging parties like NCP to gain recognition.
