EC surrendered to NCP by giving Shapla symbol, says Labour Party chairman Iran
He said that the EC had earlier said the Shapla symbol could not be given to any party and warned that if NCP failed to choose a symbol in time, the commission would assign one.
Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran alleges that the Election Commission has surrendered to NCP by allowing the party to use the 'Shapla bud' symbol, which he said raises questions about its credibility.
He said the EC allocated the Shapla bud symbol to NCP, but NCP is using only the Shapla. He noted that the EC had earlier said the Shapla symbol could not be given to any party and warned that if NCP failed to choose a symbol in time, the commission would assign one.
During a pre-election dialogue with the commission at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital today (19 November), Iran said their proposals on the Representation of the People Order (RPO) amendment were ignored, yet the amendment has already been passed.
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He also said alliances are needed to contest elections and the rule of using alliance symbols should be reconsidered.
He questioned the decision to make MPO-listed teachers polling agents while they are also active in the field on polling day.
Iran added that laws look good on paper but are not being followed. He pointed out that walls in Dhaka are already covered with posters despite election rules and asked how these rules will be enforced for only a few days.
He further added that the Tk25 lakh campaign spending limit is unrealistic because even snacks expenses cannot be covered within this amount. He called for more practical rules.
