Dhaka, May 12 -- The Election Commission (EC) has suspended Awami League's registration after the interim government banned all activities of the party headed by deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said, "We have issued the gazette notification accordingly. You will receive a copy of the gazette."

As a result, the Awami League-one of Bangladesh's oldest political parties-can no longer participate in elections.

Akhtar said, "As you know, the Ministry of Home Affairs [Monday] banned the activities of Bangladesh Awami League, its affiliated and associated organisations.

"Following that, the Election Commission has decided to suspend the party's registration.

When asked on what grounds the registration was sus...