NCP continues pressing for ‘Shapla’ as election symbol, disputes EC’s decision

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has again demanded the “Shapla” as its electoral symbol, rejecting the Election Commission’s (EC) stance that the flower cannot be allocated due to its place in the national emblem.

In a statement on Friday, NCP Convenor Nahid Islam explained why the party is set on having the Shapla as its symbol.

He said the party had applied for registration on Jun 22, requesting the symbol. He claimed that an EC committee member preparing a list of 150 symbols had assured NCP representatives during a Jun 4 meeting that the water lily would be included.

However, on Jul 9 media reports said the EC had taken a policy decision against listing the symbol, citing its status as part of the national emblem. Following this, NCP held a meeting with the chief election commissioner and other commissioners on Jul 13, where it submitted a written appeal challenging the rationale.

According to the party, the decision lacks legal ground. It cited the Constitution, the Bangladesh National Emblem Order 1972, and the Emblem Rules 1972, arguing that only the full emblem design is restricted, not individual components.

NCP pointed out that two elements of the emblem, paddy stalks and stars, have already been allotted as symbols to the BNP and JaSaD.

Similarly, the national fruit jackfruit and jute have been given to other parties.

They argued that the water lily is one component of the emblem, not the emblem itself. Therefore, denying it while allowing others is discriminatory.

The statement highlighted the EC’s inconsistencies, saying the commission cited the flower’s presence in the DGFI logo as a reason, but it has already allocated paddy stalks, eagle and balance scales, which appear prominently in the logos of Bangladesh Police, Bangladesh Air Force and Supreme Court.

NCP leaders accused the EC of bias, saying its refusal raised doubts about the institution’s neutrality and independence.

They say the EC’s stance appears arbitrary and may reflect undue influence or preferential treatment towards certain parties.

The party continues to press for the inclusion of the Shapla in the EC’s official symbol list, claiming it has already gained acceptance among supporters nationwide.