The National Citizens Party (NCP) has stated that if the ‘Shapla’ election symbol is not granted, it will have to forgo the ‘Dhan’ and ‘Sonali Ash’ symbols. NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari told reporters on Thursday (October 9) after a meeting with the Election Commission at Agargaon, Dhaka, that the party will not accept registration without the Shapla symbol.
Patwari said there are no legal or political barriers to granting the Shapla symbol, but if it is still denied, the party will continue its democratic struggle. He alleged that invisible forces are behind the refusal, and the Election Commission has provided no clear explanation.
Criticizing the Election Commission, he noted that some of its decisions, though not officially announced, appear on the front pages of newspapers. He also questioned how critical constitutional documents of an independent body ended up in the media, demanding accountability from the Commission.
Patwari emphasized, “Without the Shapla symbol, the party cannot proceed with registration, and without registration, a party cannot contest elections.