NCP will not get Shapla symbol as it’s not on final list, says EC secretary

The final list of symbols has been approved without the Shapla logo, he says

Election Commission (EC) Secretary Akhtar Ahmed says the National Citizen Party won’t be able to use the "Shapla" symbol even if the party is registered as it is not on the list of election symbols.

The party will have to request a new symbol after being registered, he said.

“They will have to choose a symbol from the pre-approved list."

The EC secretary confirmed the matter while speaking to the media at the EC’s headquarters on Tuesday.

The EC had sent a revised list of 115 symbols from the electoral conduct regulations to the law ministry for approval. The code of conduct and the symbol list have both been approved after vetting, according to Akhtar.

However, the NCP remains firm on its demand for the Shapla symbol, either in white or red.

Earlier on Monday, party Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary reiterated that the NCP would not back down on its demand for the symbol.

“We will not move away from our request for the Shapla, the white Shapla, or the red Shapla. There is an ongoing conspiracy to undermine our symbol, but we remain resolute,” he said.

“If this symbol is not granted, we know how to claim it,” he added.