Why is Bangladesh EC Urging NCP to Choose an Electoral Symbol by October 19?
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Synopsis
The Bangladesh Election Commission urges the National Citizen Party to select its electoral symbol by October 19 amid a significant row over the Shapla symbol. With threats of registration rejection looming, this political tension could shape the country's upcoming election landscape.
Key Takeaways
- The NCP must choose an electoral symbol by October 19.
- Failure to select a symbol may lead to the EC making a decision on their behalf.
- The Shapla symbol is a point of contention for the NCP.
- Political instability is rising in Bangladesh ahead of elections.
- The NCP is prepared to fight for its demands politically.
Dhaka, Oct 14 (NationPress) The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has issued another request to the National Citizen Party (NCP), urging it to choose an electoral symbol from the reserved options by October 19, as stated by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Tuesday, according to local media reports.
This request comes in the midst of the NCP's ongoing insistence on the Shapla (water lily) as its electoral symbol, with the party recently threatening to forfeit its registration if the EC does not comply.
“We have sent a letter to them (NCP) asking them to inform us of their desired symbol by October 19. If they do not inform us by that date, the Election Commission will decide on the symbol at its own discretion,” Ahmed was quoted by leading Bangladeshi media outlet UNB while addressing reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka.
Regarding the dispute over the Shapla symbol, Ahmed mentioned, “The NCP's preferred symbol is the 'Shapla'. However, as it is not part of the EC's list of approved symbols, we are unable to allocate it. We have already communicated to them to inform us of their chosen symbol by October 19. If they fail to do so, the Election Commission will make a decision on the symbol on its own.”
When queried about the potential for unrest arising from this issue, he replied, “We will see when the time comes.”
Regarding any legal obstacles to including the 'Shapla' in the electoral symbols list, he stated, “There are no legal barriers, but the EC believes there is no necessity to include it as an election symbol.”
Last week, the NCP cautioned that significant repercussions could ensue, potentially affecting next year's elections if it is denied the Shapla symbol.
In a statement to Bangladesh’s prominent newspaper, The Daily Star, Patwary indicated that the party would pursue the establishment of an independent and constitutional EC through democratic avenues if its request is not fulfilled.
“If the NCP does not obtain the Shapla symbol, it will undoubtedly impact the election. Without an independent commission, fair polls cannot be guaranteed. If the elections are unjust, it could lead to violence in the streets. However, we will strive to prevent that. If we are pushed into a corner, we will have no alternative but to resist,” Patwary added.
“If we are deprived of this right, we will work towards establishing an independent and constitutional election commission democratically. We will persist in our political struggle to achieve our objectives,” he concluded.
Bangladesh is currently facing increasing uncertainty and political instability as next year's election approaches.
Previously, student leaders had joined forces with Muhammad Yunus and various radical political factions to challenge the democratically elected government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Point of View
It’s imperative to observe the evolving dynamics between the NCP and the Election Commission. The insistence on the Shapla symbol reflects deeper issues within the electoral process. The potential consequences of this dispute could have lasting impacts on the integrity of upcoming elections, and it is vital for all parties to engage constructively.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for NCP to select an electoral symbol?
The National Citizen Party must choose an electoral symbol from the reserved list by October 19.
What happens if the NCP doesn't select a symbol by the deadline?
If the NCP fails to inform the Election Commission of its desired symbol by October 19, the Commission will select one at its discretion.
Why is the Shapla symbol significant to the NCP?
The NCP views the Shapla symbol as a crucial part of its identity and has stated it may reject its registration if not granted this symbol.
Are there legal barriers to including the Shapla symbol?
According to the EC, there are no legal barriers to including the Shapla symbol, but they believe it does not need to be included in the election symbols list.
What could be the consequences of denying the Shapla symbol?
The NCP has warned that refusal to grant the Shapla symbol could have serious ramifications for next year's elections, potentially leading to unrest.
