NCP seeks ‘Shapla’ symbol from EC ahead of national polls

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has formally applied to the Election Commission (EC) to secure the ‘Shapla’ (water lily) as its election symbol. The application, signed by party convener Nahid Islam, was submitted to the EC senior secretary on Wednesday. In its submission, the party cited its ongoing engagement with the EC since its political debut on February 28, 2025, including discussions on election laws, party registration, and expatriate voting rights. The NCP requested that the EC amend the Election Conduct Rules, 2008, to allow allocation of ‘Shapla’, ‘White Shapla’, or ‘Red Shapla’ as its symbol. Earlier discussions with EC officials reportedly indicated that ‘Shapla’ could be accommodated. The party emphasized that nationwide public recognition of NCP is closely linked...