Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A. M. M. Nasir Uddin has made it clear that the Election Commission (EC) will not provide any explanation as to why the Shapla (water lily) symbol was not allotted to any political party. “Disputes over symbols are not under the EC’s jurisdiction,” he stated.
Speaking to reporters at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Thursday (September 25), the CEC said that the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be held before Ramadan in February. The election schedule will be announced at least two months ahead of the polls. He expressed optimism that political parties would cooperate with the EC to ensure a peaceful election.
“If all players enter the field to commit fouls, the game will collapse. We want everyone to participate with good intentions. In the past, there were crises before elections, but they were resolved. I am confident that political consensus will be reached this time as well,” he remarked.
The CEC also said that around 100,000 army personnel will be deployed during the election period. The Commission will make every effort to ensure equal opportunities for all parties.
On the Shapla symbol issue, he clarified that it was first requested by Nagorik Oikya but was not granted. Later, the National Citizen Party (NCP) also demanded it, but their request too was denied. The EC, he stressed, will not explain the reasons for this decision.
👉 The CEC concluded by expressing confidence that through cooperation and dialogue among political parties, a peaceful election in the national interest will be ensured.