Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Oct 7, 2025 (BSS) - The National Citizen Party (NCP) has reaffirmed demand for its preferred electoral symbol, the 'Shapla' (water lily), insisting it will not choose any alternative from the Election Commission's approved list.

In a letter signed by NCP Convener Nahid Islam to the EC Secretariat, the party requested that election rules be amended to include the 'Shapla' symbol, emphasizing its strong emotional connection with the public. 

The letter, sent in response to a previous EC communication, argued that the symbol could not be replaced by any other option from the commission's list.

According to the letter, the EC had earlier initiated the process of finalising new symbols for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election under Rule 9(1) of the Election Conduct Rules, 2008. 

The NCP said, "A committee had prepared a final draft of 150 symbols, and during a meeting with an EC official on 4 June, the party was assured that the 'Shapla' would be included in the final list". 

"Subsequently on June 22, NCP submitted its application for registration, requesting reservation of the 'Shapla' symbol. On August 3, the party followed up with a letter prioritising its preferences as Shapla, white Shapla or red Shapla."

However, the NCP alleged that the EC failed to act on its applications of September 3 and 24, leaving them pending, and instead issued the letter on 30 September - which, the party claims, has "no legal standing." 

The NCP's letter stated that 101 lawyers across the country, including senior Supreme Court advocates, have affirmed there is no legal barrier to allocating the 'Shapla' symbol. 

Ahead of the parliamentary polls, the EC has decided to register two new political parties, including the NCP. 

As part of that process, on Sept 30, the EC sent a letter to NCP asking it to select a symbol from the approved list within a week.