The Election Commission (EC) has taken a policy decision not to list the national emblem, the water lily, as an election symbol amid claims over it by two political parties.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud shared the development on Wednesday.

The Nagorik Oikya had sought the water lily as its symbol instead of the kettle, while the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP) also applied to use the symbol in its registration bid.

The commission, led by AMM Nasir Uddin, reached the decision in the face of debate over whether a national emblem should be assigned to a political party.

The EC will exclude the water lily from the official list of election symbols under the conduct rules.

“In the newly proposed list of symbols, the water lily will not be included. It will not be part of our official schedule as an election symbol,” said Masud.

Ahead of the general election, the commission is planning to increase the number of symbols available to parties and independent candidates -- from the previous 69 to at least 115.

The updated list will be included in a revised schedule under the conduct rules, which the EC plans to send to the law ministry for vetting.

On the issue of the water lily, Masud said both the national emblem and the national flag are protected under specific provisions in the Constitution.

“The Constitution defines the national emblem and flag, both protected by law,” he added. “A law has been made to preserve the dignity of both; a regulation has been made.”

“But national symbols such as the flower or bird are not covered under any specific legal provision.”

Masud noted the emblem was left off the list to avoid linking national identity with party politics.