Akhtar Ahmed, senior secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat, has clarified that the National Citizen Party (NCP) cannot be allotted “Shapla” (water lily) as its electoral symbol, since the flower does not appear on the EC’s authorised list of registered symbols.
Speaking at the press briefing on Tuesday at the EC headquarters in Agargaon of Dhaka, he said: “The EC maintains a list of 115 registered electoral symbols. Since “Shapla” is absent from that list, there is no legal ground to assign it to any party. Political parties must choose from the approved list only.”
He further explained that the NCP must now put forward an alternative choice. “They are already aware of this, and the issue will be settled through mutual understanding,” he added.
Meanwhile, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary told reporters following a meeting with the chief election commissioner that discussions were held regarding party registration, election symbols, and the voting rights of expatriates.
“The commission has assured us that the NCP will be granted registration,” he said. Patwary also emphasised that the party is determined to keep “Shapla” as its identity.
“We remain firm on Shapla. Our proposals include three versions—Shapla, White Shapla, and Red Shapla—and we are not considering any alternatives,” he stated.
