Nagorik Oikya seeks 'Shapla' symbol instead of 'Kettle'
Anwar added that while they discussed various issues including elections, the main agenda was the symbol change
Nagorik Oikya, led by Mahmudur Rahman Manna, which is currently registered with the 'Kettle' electoral symbol, has once again approached the Election Commission (EC) seeking the 'Shapla' symbol.
Following a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) today (2 July), the party's Organizational Secretary Sakib Anwar told reporters that they had applied on 17 June to change their symbol from 'Kettle' to either 'Shapla' or 'Doel'.
"When we were granted registration, we did not receive our preferred symbol," he said.
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Anwar added that while they discussed various issues including elections, the main agenda was the symbol change.
Expressing concern over reports suggesting that the National Citizen Party (NCP), which has applied for registration, has also sought the 'Shapla' symbol, Anwar said there are indications in mainstream media that the commission may have already decided to grant it to them.
"This is concerning because NCP hasn't been registered yet, so such reports should not be appearing. The registration process is complex, and no party should be considered for a symbol before formal registration," Anwar said.
Anwar further said that when Nagorik Oikya was registered, there were 69 electoral symbols.
"At that time, symbols were distributed based on government preference. We did not receive our preferred symbol. Now that the EC is considering expanding the number of symbols to 115 through gazette, we believe we are entitled to the 'Shapla' since we submitted our request on 17 June, earlier than NCP, which applied on 22 June," Anwar also said.
Emphasising that 'Shapla' should not be considered exclusive to the nation despite being a national symbol, Anwar said, "We argued that just because it's a national symbol doesn't mean a political party can't use it as their election symbol".
Responding to a question, he added, "We have no objection if NCP gets registered. But the decision hasn't been made yet. Since we are already a registered party and submitted our application first, we believe our request should be prioritised if the symbol list is expanded."
Nagorik Oikya was granted registration after the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024, following widespread student and public protest.
