Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has asked the National Citizen Party (NCP) to choose an electoral symbol by October 19 amid a dispute over the “Shapla” (water lily) symbol, escalating political tension ahead of next year’s national elections.
The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has once again directed the National Citizen Party (NCP) to select its electoral symbol from the official reserved list by October 19, reigniting tensions over the party’s persistent demand for the “Shapla” (water lily) symbol.
Speaking to reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka on Tuesday, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed that a formal letter had been sent to NCP, reminding it to comply with the deadline. “We have sent a letter to them (NCP) asking them to inform us of their desired symbol by October 19. If they fail to do so, the Election Commission will take a decision at its own discretion,” Ahmed told local media, as quoted by United News of Bangladesh (UNB).
The Shapla Symbol Row
The NCP’s request for the “Shapla” symbol has been a point of contention for months. The party maintains that the symbol represents purity and people’s unity, but the EC has refused to allocate it, stating that it is not included in the commission’s approved list of electoral symbols.
Ahmed clarified, “NCP’s desired symbol is the ‘shapla’. But since it is not on the EC’s approved list, there is no scope to allocate it. We have already informed them to select a symbol from the available list before October 19.”
When asked whether the dispute could lead to unrest, the EC official said cautiously, “We’ll see when the time comes.”
No Legal Barrier, Says EC
Responding to questions about possible legal issues surrounding the inclusion of the Shapla symbol, Ahmed said, “There are no legal barriers. However, the Election Commission believes there is no necessity to include it in the current list.”
The EC’s firm stance has triggered sharp criticism from the NCP, which has accused the commission of bias and threatened to reject its registration if its demand is not met.
NCP Warns of Political Fallout
In an interview with The Daily Star, NCP Chairperson Patwary warned that denying the Shapla symbol could have “far-reaching consequences” for Bangladesh’s democratic process and next year’s general elections.
“If the NCP does not get the Shapla symbol, it will definitely affect the election. Without an independent commission, there can be no fair polls. If the election is not fair, there will be bloodshed on the streets,” Patwary cautioned.
He emphasized that the party would continue its fight for electoral fairness through political and democratic means. “If our backs are against the wall, we will have no choice but to resist. We will work to form an independent and constitutional Election Commission democratically. We will not back down from achieving our demands,” he added.
Growing Political Uncertainty Ahead of Elections
Bangladesh’s political environment has become increasingly tense as the country approaches the 2026 national elections. The ongoing symbol dispute adds to a list of political challenges, including opposition boycotts, protests, and public dissatisfaction over governance issues.
Observers warn that the EC’s handling of the NCP’s demand could further polarize the political landscape. While the Commission insists on procedural compliance, critics argue that flexibility could help maintain electoral inclusivity.
Background and Broader Implications
The NCP emerged as a new player in Bangladesh’s political scene, seeking to position itself as a centrist alternative. However, its growing alliance with student leaders and activists who previously aligned with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and other radical political groups has drawn scrutiny. These groups have been accused of attempts to topple the democratically elected Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
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As Bangladesh inches closer to a pivotal election year, analysts believe disputes such as the “Shapla” controversy could test the EC’s credibility and influence voter confidence. For now, the Commission’s October 19 deadline stands as a critical juncture for both the NCP and the country’s fragile democratic stability.
