Why is the Bangladesh EC Requiring the NCP to Select a Symbol from the Official List?
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Synopsis
In a significant declaration, the Bangladesh Election Commission insists that the NCP must select its electoral symbol from the official list—igniting controversy as the party demands the Shapla symbol. As political uncertainty looms in Bangladesh, this situation raises critical questions about electoral integrity and party representation.
Key Takeaways
- The NCP must choose an electoral symbol from the EC's official list.
- The Shapla symbol is not available for allocation.
- Two parties, NCP and Bangladesh National League, have received registration approval.
- Political uncertainty is growing ahead of the elections.
- Criticism towards the EC highlights concerns about electoral representation.
Dhaka, Oct 1 (NationPress) The Senior Secretary of the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC), Akhtar Ahmed, has emphasized that the National Citizen Party (NCP) is required to choose its electoral symbol exclusively from the official list provided by the EC. This statement comes in response to the party's ongoing request for the allocation of the Shapla (Water Lily) symbol, as reported by local media.
During a recent press conference held in Dhaka, Ahmed confirmed that both the NCP and the Bangladesh National League have received official registration as political parties.
“A total of 143 parties submitted applications. We reviewed the information of 22 of them on the ground. Out of these, two parties — the NCP and the Bangladesh National League — have been approved for registration, while 13 more remain under review,” the Dhaka Tribune quoted the EC official.
Despite the NCP's registration approval, it has yet to receive an electoral symbol.
Regarding the NCP's insistence on the Shapla symbol, Ahmed remarked, “There is an outstanding issue concerning the electoral symbol for the NCP. The symbols they have requested are not part of the list defined in our symbol regulations. We will send them a letter asking them to confirm a symbol from the approved list.”
“Once we receive their confirmation, we will issue a notification with the approved symbol. The Bangladesh National League's choice of symbol has been accepted and finalized,” he added.
Last month, the NCP issued a serious warning about the upcoming general elections just hours after the EC declared that the 'Shapla' symbol would not be assigned to them.
Sarjis Alam, the chief organizer of the NCP, expressed on his social media, “Since there is no legal barrier, the NCP's symbol should be the Shapla. There is no alternative. If not, we will see how the elections unfold and who aspires to gain power.”
He further criticized the EC, stating, “The NCP clearly requested the Shapla symbol during the initial registration process. Who is responsible for ensuring that the Shapla symbol is included in the electoral symbols list?”
These comments followed Ahmed's statement that the 'Shapla' cannot be allocated as a party symbol since it is not on the EC's reserved symbol list, which includes 115 electoral symbols.
“The NCP will not receive the Shapla symbol. It is not included in the approved list of 115 symbols. The rule states that a party must select from the reserved symbols. If Shapla is not on the list, there is no chance for allocation,” Ahmed asserted.
Bangladesh is experiencing increasing political uncertainty as it approaches the general elections next year.
Previously, student leaders had allied with Muhammad Yunus and several radical political factions to challenge the democratically elected Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize that the NCP's struggle for the Shapla symbol highlights broader themes of political representation and electoral fairness. The EC's strict adherence to regulations reflects an effort to maintain order in the electoral process, yet it raises questions about inclusivity and party dynamics in Bangladesh's evolving political landscape.
NationPress
01/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Shapla symbol for the NCP?
The Shapla symbol holds cultural significance and represents the NCP's identity in the political arena, making it crucial for their branding and voter recognition.
Why can't the NCP use the Shapla symbol?
The Election Commission has stated that the Shapla symbol is not included in their official list of reserved electoral symbols, thereby preventing its allocation.
What other symbols can the NCP choose from?
The NCP must select from the list of 115 approved electoral symbols provided by the Election Commission.
How many parties were approved for registration?
Out of 143 applications, the Election Commission approved the registration of the NCP and the Bangladesh National League.
What has been the NCP's reaction to the EC's decision?
The NCP has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the EC's refusal to allocate the Shapla symbol, raising concerns about electoral fairness.
