Dhaka: Election Commission (EC) Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced today that the National Citizen Party (NCP) has been instructed to choose an election symbol from the EC's approved list, following their initial request for the 'Shapla (water lily)' symbol, which is unavailable.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Akhtar Ahmed clarified that the NCP must inform the EC of their chosen symbol by October 19. If the party fails to meet this deadline, the EC will assign a symbol to the party through its own method. Ahmed emphasized that the 'Shapla Symbol' could not be allocated as it is not part of the EC's approved list.
Ahmed further explained that the EC has formally requested the NCP to select an alternative symbol by October 19. Failure to comply will result in the EC making a decision regarding the symbol allocation for the party.
Regarding political party registration, Ahmed mentioned the EC is re-verifying information for 12 political parties by appointing additional personnel at the field level. The finalized list of parties eligible for registration is expected next week.
Addressing stakeholders' involvement in poll preparations, Ahmed noted the EC's ongoing discussions with various groups. On October 20, the EC will hold a meeting with organizations involved in law enforcement, including the army, air force, and navy.
On the topic of expatriate voters, Ahmed expressed optimism that the EC could begin developing an app to facilitate their participation by late October or early November. He highlighted that several stages of preparation have been completed, with further preparations underway for upcoming local government elections.