Labour Party urges EC to allow alliance parties to use common symbols
“Limiting the use of symbols by alliance parties under the EC’s proposed RPO amendment goes against the spirit of democratic unity and political participation," said Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran
The Bangladesh Labour Party has called on the Election Commission (EC) to ensure that registered parties within political alliances are allowed to use the symbols of any party in the coalition, citing democratic rights and the need to preserve multi-party representation.
Party Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran made the remarks on Monday (3 November) during a press briefing, following a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Nasir Uddin and the submission of a written proposal concerning the amendment of the Representation of the People Order (RPO).
"Limiting the use of symbols by alliance parties under the EC's proposed RPO amendment goes against the spirit of democratic unity and political participation," Iran said. "In the 2008 elections, registered parties within alliances used symbols collectively, sending a clear message to voters and strengthening the cohesion of political alliances."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
He urged the EC to hold consultations with all registered political parties before implementing amendments to the RPO and to take effective steps to safeguard political freedom and the continuity of alliances.
The Labour Party's proposal also requests the cancellation of the EC's suggested amendment regarding the allocation of symbols in favour of political parties or alliances, expressing "deep concern" over the proposed restrictions under Section 20 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972.
Accompanying Iran at the briefing were Labour Party Vice Chairman Hinduratna Ramkrishna Saha, Acting General Secretary Khandakar Mirazul Islam, Joint General Secretary Md Helal Uddin Chowdhury, and Office Secretary Md Miraz Khan.
