The Election Commission (EC) has provided the National Citizen Party (NCP) with a list of 50 symbols to choose from for its party registration.
However, the list does not include the lotus symbol, which the NCP has repeatedly demanded.
In a letter signed by Md Rafiqul Islam, Deputy Secretary of the EC’s Election Assistance Branch, it was stated that NCP’s application for registration has been initially considered.
The party initially requested the symbols lotus, pen, and mobile phone, later revising its request to lotus, white lotus, and red lotus. But under the Election Conduct Rules 2008, the lotus is not among the approved symbols.
The letter further mentioned that the party must select one symbol from the 50 options by October 7. Once allocated, the chosen symbol will be reserved for the party unless it later applies for a change.
The list of available symbols includes: wardrobe, bed, ostrich, kite, cup and saucer, spectacles, building, eggplant, rechargeable light, computer, jug, ship, tubewell, tiffin carrier, table, table clock, telephone, refrigerator, tabla, stork, rooster, pen, watermelon, flute, gourd, pitcher, shrimp, plate, bench, lychee, swing, butterfly, balloon, football, flower pot, stool, bucket, banana, electric fan, mug, microphone, peacock, mobile phone, conch shell, sewing machine, sofa, suitcase, deer, duck, and helicopter.
On September 23, the EC Secretary clarified that the NCP cannot be given the lotus symbol, as it is not on the reserved list.
Despite this, NCP leaders continue to insist that their registration must be granted with the lotus or one of its variations—white lotus or red lotus.
