Election Commission reiterates ‘Shapla’ symbol can’t be assigned to any party

The Election Commission has made it clear once again that the “Shapla”, or water lily, symbol cannot be allotted as a party emblem under any circumstances. The commission said the decision was made in full accordance with the Constitution, election laws, and the rules governing the allocation of symbols. It stressed that no external pressure had influenced the process. “Legally, constitutionally, and according to the rules on symbol allocation, we cannot give the Shapla symbol,” Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarker toldbdnews24.comon Friday. He added, “We are under no pressure. The Commission’s decision is clear -- we will not allocate the Shapla symbol to any party.” The reaffirmation came a day after leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led...