EC rejects Shapla, offers 50 options
Staff Reporter :
The Election Commission (EC) has asked the National Citizen Party (NCP) to choose an electoral symbol from a list of 50, instead of its preferred Shapla (water lily). While Nagorik Oikya President Manna said, “I will not file a case if the NCP is given the Shapla symbol.”
“In its application, the National Citizen Party (NCP) listed Shapla, ‘Pen’, and ‘Mobile Phone’ as preferred symbols. Later, it revised the last two choices to ‘Red Shapla’ and ‘White Shapla’. However, the Shapla symbol is not included in the list of scheduled symbols under Section 9(1) of the Election Conduct Rules, 2008,” the EC letter said.
The letter signed by EC deputy secretary Rafiqul Islam was sent to NCP Convener Nahid Islam on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Manna said that “They (NCP) came to me. I sympathize with those who carried out the July coup, considering their age, experience and considering their efforts to overthrow fascism of Sheikh Hasina.”
In a post on his verified Facebook page on Thursday (October 2), he said, “If Shapla gives the symbol to them (NCP), I will not file any case.”
The EC asked NCP to inform the Commission in writing by October 7, 2025, of its choice by picking one from the 50 unallocated symbols.
The 50 symbols which are in the list includes Almirah, Bedstead (Khat), Ostrich, Kite, Cup-Saucer, Spectacles, Building (Dalan), Brinjal, Charger Light, Computer, Jug, Ship, Tube-Well, Tiffin Carrier, Table, Table Clock, Telephone, Refrigerator, Tabla (Tobla), Egret, Cock, Pen, Watermelon, Flute, Gourd, Pitcher (Kolosh), Prawn, Plate, Bench, Litchi, Swing (Dolna), Butterfly, Balloon, Football, Flower Tub, Stool (Morha), Bucket, Banana, Electric Fan, Mug, Microphone, Peacock, Mobile Phone, Conch, Sewing Machine, Sofa, Suitcase, Deer, Duck and Helicopter.
Mahmudur Rahman Manna said, “If I am not given the Shapla because of the national symbol, then the Election Commission (EC) cannot give it to anyone else.” He also said, “If Shapla gives them the symbol, I can promise that I will not file any lawsuit.”
Citizen Unity was registered after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, in the face of mass student and public movements. The party applied to the EC for a Shapla or Doel symbol instead of the Kettle symbol.
On the other hand, new complications arose before the Election Commission (EC) as the NCPO, which was awaiting new registration, also demanded the same symbol.
On September 30, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters that the symbol (Water Lily) they (NCP) requested is not included in the schedule of symbols. So, The EC will write to them asking to confirm a suitable alternative (from the schedule).
On September 25, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin told reporters that Nagorik Oikya, led by Mahmudur Rahman Manna, first applied for the Shapla symbol and then NCP applied for the same symbol.
Earlier on September 23, the EC Secretary Akhter Ahmed said since the water lily is not in the list of symbols, the National Citizen Party (NCP) has no chance to get it.
In reaction, NCP chief organiser (northern region) Sarjis Alam in a Facebook Post on the same day protested the EC’s decision to not allocate the “Shapla” (water lily) symbol to the party.
“Since there is no legal obstacle, NCP’s symbol must be Shapla. There is no other option. Otherwise, we too shall see how the election is held and who dreams of coming to power,” said the NCP leader.
The EC has already taken a decision to award registration to NCP and another new political party Bangladesh Jatiya League as they fulfilled conditions.
This time the Commission received applications from 143 parties seeking registration. After scrutiny, the EC shortlisted 22 parties for further field-level inquiries. After reviewing this information (gleaned from field-level), the Commission believes that two parties preliminarily met the conditions.
A total of 56 parties have obtained registration so far, but five of them – Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Freedom Party, Oikyabodha Nagorik Andolan, PDP, and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa) – later lost their status due to various reasons and court orders. However, Jamaat has recently regained its registration following a court directive.