Shapla symbol not in EC's official list, no change decided yet: CEC
The CEC expresses hope that the NCP will not hinder the country's democratic process
Election symbols can only be allocated from the commission's official list and no decision has been made to change the rule, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin today (12 October).
"The commission maintains an official list of election symbols, and the Shapla symbol requested by the NCP is not currently included. Under the regulations, symbols can only be allotted from this list. However, no decision has yet been made to amend this provision," he said responding to the NCP's request to use the "Shapla" (water lily) symbol as its election symbol.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting at the Chattogram Circuit House with local administration and law enforcement representatives, the CEC expressed hope that the National Citizen Party (NCP) would not hinder the country's democratic process.
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"Those leading the NCP risked their lives during the July uprising. I know them as patriots. I believe they will never stand in the way of democracy," he said.
Talking about the upcoming national election, CEC Nasir Uddin stressed, "We want to change the course of history. We do not want the irregularities or controversies of the past to recur. To prevent previous mistakes, we have introduced a number of new initiatives. This time, such issues will not occur."
He added, "Our aim is to organise an election that is transparent, participatory, and acceptable to all, creating an environment where no citizen faces harassment while voting."
NCP will not accept registration without Shapla, says Nasiruddin Patwary after meeting CEC
Addressing concerns about misinformation, he noted that a special cell has been set up to curb social media misuse. "The spread of false information, deceptive content, or AI-generated propaganda is now an international concern. We do not want such factors to undermine the electoral environment."
He went on to say, "We have no intention of shutting down the internet. We want to ensure a transparent election where everyone can participate freely. We don't want votes cast in darkness; we want elections held openly, before everyone's eyes."
On access for journalists to polling stations, the CEC explained that polling centres vary in size. "We will issue authorised cards to journalists to enter centres freely. No one will be allowed to obstruct journalists carrying these cards," he said, adding, "Journalists are partners in the advancement of democracy; we want them by our side as allies."
Highlighting efforts to ensure voter participation, he said, "We want an electoral environment in which every citizen can vote personally. Expatriates, previously unable to vote, now have systems in place to cast their ballots. Presiding officers, who previously could not vote, will now be able to do so as well. These are just some of the initiatives we have introduced."
Concluding his remarks, CEC Nasir Uddin emphasised, "We are all citizens of this country. It is everyone's responsibility to advance democracy. The Election Commission, the media, and political parties must work in unison to deliver a free, fair, and credible election."
