The Election Commission (EC) is set to begin dialogues starting 28 September, ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. In the first phase of these dialogues, representatives from academia and civil society will be invited.
EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed shared this information with journalists at the Election Building in Agargaon on Tuesday.
The EC Secretary stated that there is no opportunity to grant the National Citizen Party (NCP) the “shapla” (water lily) as their party symbol. Since the “shapla” is not on the Election Commission’s list of symbols, NBP will have to choose an alternative symbol.
He said, “As part of our plan to ensure public engagement, we will gradually begin discussions with various stakeholders – such as civil society, academics, women leaders, print and electronic media journalists, political parties, election experts, and July activists. In line with the Commission’s decision, the dialogue will begin on the 28th of this month.”
Akhtar Ahmed added, “We had sent the Code of Conduct and the file r egarding symbols to the Ministry of Law for vetting. Both files have now been returned. The document for political party registration is still under review. Once finalised, it will be announced.”
