The National Citizen Party (NCP) has accused the Election Commission (EC) of attempting to deprive the party of the Shapla (water lily) symbol, despite there being no legal barrier to its allocation. Instead, the commission has suggested “ridiculous” alternatives such as an ostrich, a cup and saucer, or plates, alleged NCP Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday night at the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Patwary said, “We have received the registration-related letter from the EC. In it, symbols like cupboard, ostrich, cup-saucer, and plates have been proposed for us. These are utterly laughable. The EC is acting arbitrarily and discriminatorily against us.”
He further stated that NCP had already made it clear that there was no legal obstacle to granting them the Shapla symbol, nor should the commission feel external pressure. “After the mass uprising, we demanded an independent Election Commission. But the current commission has turned itself into a one-party office. Their actions are raising serious constitutional questions,” Patwary said.
He alleged that while other political parties have been allowed to adopt symbols derived from national emblems, only NCP is being singled out for objections. “Now, the question arises—what will we do if we are denied our symbol? We will continue our struggle with the people, through constitutional and democratic means.”
Responding to a question from reporters, Patwary also raised suspicions over a party called National League which is reportedly on its way to obtaining registration. “So far, we haven’t seen any rallies, meetings, or seminars from them. This only deepens our doubt about the EC’s intentions.” He went on to demand the cancellation of all political parties registered during the Awami League’s tenure.
NCP Joint Convener Khaled Saifullah, Joint Member Secretary Zahirul Islam Musa, and several other leaders were also present at the press conference.
