New Electoral Symbol Introduced: Election Commission Adds ‘Shapla Koli’ to Official List
The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has formally amended its electoral conduct rules to include a new symbol in its reserved list: the ‘Shapla Koli’ (Water Lily Bud).
The information was officially published in a Gazette signed by EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Thursday.
The New Symbol
• Symbol Added: ‘Shapla Koli’ (Water Lily Bud).
• List Position: It has been added as number 102 on the EC’s list of reserved electoral symbols.
• Allocation: This new symbol is now available for allocation to a registered political party in the upcoming elections.
Context: The NCP’s Symbol Demand
The addition of the ‘Shapla Koli’ appears to be a solution to a long-standing symbol dispute:
• The Claim: Leaders of the NCP (National Citizen Party) are confident that they will be the ones to receive the newly added ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol.
• The Suggestion: This move follows a public suggestion made by Rashed Khan, General Secretary of the Gono Odhikar Parishad (People’s Rights Council). While participating in a TV talk show on October 15, he proposed the compromise
“This matter between the NCP and the EC needs to be resolved, even if it’s with the Shapla Koli. I believe the NCP will accept it. They want the Shapla (Water Lily), and the Shapla Koli looks similar. This can be given to them.”
The EC’s reserved list features numerous well-known symbols, including:
• Apple
• Mango
• Ektara (a one-stringed musical instrument)
• Horse
• Television
• Plough (Langol)
• Bicycle
• Elephant
• Sunflower
• Note: The ‘Boat’ (Noka) symbol is listed but currently marked as suspended.
