After a two-hour meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (EC) on Thursday regarding the “shapla” (water lily) symbol, overseas voters, and updating the voter list, National Citizen Party (NCP) chief coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary said at a press conference that the NCP will not accept registration without the shapla.
He said, “We are firm on the ‘shapla’ issue of and will continue our struggle for it democratically.” He also stated that if any undesirable incidents or challenges arise concerning the February election, the EC will be liable.
The NCP leader added, “We had asked the Election Commission for an explanation as to why they are not granting the shapla symbol. For two hours, they remained silent and could not provide any explanation. We greatly appreciate their patience. But we have told them that if you do not give us shapla, you must provide an explanation. If you take responsibility for protecting a state symbol, then you must protect all of them – the boat, the paddy sheaf, and the water lily – and amend the law accordingly.”
He said, “The EC currently has two choices: One is to cancel the paddy sheaf, star, and golden throne symbols, or to provide shapla. We are also united with other political organisations on this issue. We do not see any legal or political obstacles to getting the shapla. For this reason, we are optimistic that we will eventually get the shapla and we have informed them of this.”
Nasir Uddin Patwary said that they will assume that the EC has consented to the matter. “It’s like what we see in marriage – there is consent. So, it’s not a fun (sic). I am talking about a serious matter.”
He added, “We told them today, if you feel pressure from anywhere or if someone is pressuring you, let us know. We will not say anything to you; we will confront them on the streets. But do not take the pressure of an invisible force pushing you from behind. You cannot withstand such pressure.”
“The NCP will not be registered, nor will it accept registration without the ‘shapla’,” Patwary said.
