Tuesday, 14 October, 2025
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin expressed optimism on Sunday that the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP) would not hinder Bangladesh’s democratic transition, despite the ongoing dispute over the allocation of the ‘Water Lily’ (Shapla) election symbol.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting at the Circuit House in Chattogram, the CEC said the NCP leadership understands the legal limitations of the Election Commission regarding symbol allocation.
“When a political party is registered, it must choose from the list of approved symbols. Since ‘Shapla’ is not on our approved list, we could not allocate it. No symbol has ever been given outside the existing list,” Nasir Uddin explained.
Despite the disagreement, he expressed confidence in the party’s cooperation. “The NCP leadership played a prominent role in the 2024 movement. I believe they will respect and support the democratic process,” he said.
The CEC identified maintaining law and order before, during, and after the 13th National Parliamentary Election as a major challenge. He assured that law enforcement agencies have been directed to take strict measures, including recovering illegal weapons, to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
“We are determined to hold a clean and transparent election. There will be no hidden votes and no ballots cast in the dark of night,” he pledged.
Nasir Uddin also urged the media to verify all election-related news before publication, particularly on social media platforms. “Misinformation can create unnecessary confusion and unrest. Media must not publish or broadcast reports without verifying facts,” he warned.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners from across the Chattogram division, senior officials from the police, RAB, and army, as well as representatives from various election-related departments.
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Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin expressed optimism on Sunday that the Nationalist Citizen Party (NCP) would not hinder Bangladesh’s democratic transition, despite the ongoing dispute over the allocation of the ‘Water Lily’ (Shapla) election symbol.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting at the Circuit House in Chattogram, the CEC said the NCP leadership understands the legal limitations of the Election Commission regarding symbol allocation.
“When a political party is registered, it must choose from the list of approved symbols. Since ‘Shapla’ is not on our approved list, we could not allocate it. No symbol has ever been given outside the existing list,” Nasir Uddin explained.
Despite the disagreement, he expressed confidence in the party’s cooperation. “The NCP leadership played a prominent role in the 2024 movement. I believe they will respect and support the democratic process,” he said.
The CEC identified maintaining law and order before, during, and after the 13th National Parliamentary Election as a major challenge. He assured that law enforcement agencies have been directed to take strict measures, including recovering illegal weapons, to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
“We are determined to hold a clean and transparent election. There will be no hidden votes and no ballots cast in the dark of night,” he pledged.
Nasir Uddin also urged the media to verify all election-related news before publication, particularly on social media platforms. “Misinformation can create unnecessary confusion and unrest. Media must not publish or broadcast reports without verifying facts,” he warned.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners from across the Chattogram division, senior officials from the police, RAB, and army, as well as representatives from various election-related departments.
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