Dhaka: The National Citizen Party (NCP) has reaffirmed its demand for the 'Shapla' (water lily) as its electoral symbol, stating emphatically that it will not select any alternative from the Election Commission's approved list.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, in a letter signed by NCP Convener Nahid Islam and addressed to the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat, the party urged amendments to election rules to include the 'Shapla' symbol. The party emphasized its strong emotional connection with the symbol, suggesting it resonates deeply with the public.
The letter, sent in response to a prior communication from the EC, argued against replacing the 'Shapla' symbol with any other option from the commission's list. The EC had initially started the process of finalizing new symbols for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election under Rule 9(1) of the Election Conduct Rules, 2008.
The NCP claimed that a committee had prepared a draft of 150 symbols, and during a meeting with an EC official on June 4, the party was assured that the 'Shapla' would be part of the final list. Subsequently, on June 22, the NCP submitted its application for registration, requesting the reservation of the 'Shapla' symbol. On August 3, the party followed up with a letter prioritizing its preferences as Shapla, white Shapla, or red Shapla.
However, the NCP alleged that the EC did not act on their applications of September 3 and 24, leaving them pending. Instead, the EC issued a letter on September 30, which the party claims has "no legal standing." The NCP's letter further stated that 101 lawyers across the country, including senior Supreme Court advocates, have confirmed there is no legal barrier to allocating the 'Shapla' symbol.
In preparation for the parliamentary polls, the EC has decided to register two new political parties, including the NCP. As part of this process, on September 30, the EC sent a letter to the NCP, asking it to select a symbol from the approved list within a week.