Dhaka, July 16 -- A total of 144 political parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP), have failed to meet the preliminary criteria for registration with the Election Commission (EC), officials confirmed on Tuesday. The EC has granted the applicants a 15-day extension to rectify discrepancies and submit missing documents.

"None of the newly applying parties fully complied with the registration requirements during the initial scrutiny," said KM Ali Newaz, Additional Secretary of the EC, while speaking to reporters. "Letters will be issued in phases-first to 62 parties, followed by the remainder. Each must respond within 15 days."

The EC had invited applications for new political party registration on 20 April. Following requests...