NN Online:
The Election Commission (EC) has expanded its list of electoral symbols from 69 to 115 by adding 46 new options—but the iconic ‘Shapla’ (water lily) has been dropped from the final selection. As a result, no party will be allowed to use it as their election symbol in the upcoming polls.
The move has sparked criticism from the National Citizen Party (NCP), which had listed ‘Shapla’ as its top choice when applying for party registration on June 20. NCP leaders have denounced the EC’s decision as biased and pledged to challenge it both politically and legally.
According to EC officials, a committee initially shortlisted 150 symbols, later narrowing the list down to 115 before forwarding it to the Ministry of Law for approval. ‘Shapla’ did not make the final cut.
With their first choice excluded, the NCP may now be assigned one of their backup options—either the ‘Pen’ or the ‘Mobile Phone’—both of which are present in the approved symbol list.
Party leaders say their election campaign, titled “A New Bangladesh In Your Eyes,” has gained public traction around three symbols: Shapla, Mobile Phone, and Pen. They argue these symbols resonate with people’s hopes and aspirations and accuse the EC of political favoritism by rejecting their top pick.
Reacting to the EC’s justification, NCP Joint Convener Monira Sharmin told Jago News:
“The EC’s explanation is vague and unconvincing. They claim Shapla is a national symbol, but it has not been officially declared as such. We demand a clear reason for its exclusion. This shows the Commission’s partiality.”
The NCP is set to meet Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Sunday to raise their concerns directly. The CEC’s personal secretary, Mohammad Ashraful Alam, confirmed the meeting is scheduled for 10:30 am.
The EC finalized the list of 115 electoral symbols on July 9 as part of amendments to the National Parliamentary Election Conduct Rules. It was sent to the Ministry of Law the same day, with ‘Shapla’ absent.
Previously, on April 17, another political party—Nagorik Oikya, led by Mahmudur Rahman—had also applied for the ‘Shapla’ symbol. Both Nagorik Oikya and NCP have held multiple meetings with the EC regarding the matter.
Despite the setback, NCP says it remains determined to contest the upcoming election and will continue to press for a fair explanation from the authorities.
