EC rejects 'Water Lily' for NCP, offers 50 options

“The National Citizen Party-NCP in its application mentioned ‘Water Lily’, ‘Pen’ and ‘Mobile Phone’ as preferences. The party later changed the last two symbols (instead sought ‘Water Lily’, ‘Red Water Lily’ or ‘White Water Lily’). But the ‘Water Lily’ symbol is not included in the list of scheduled symbols under the section 9(1) of the Election Conduct Rules, 2008,” reads the EC letter.

The letter signed by EC deputy secretary Rafiqul Islam was sent to NCP Convener Nahid Islam on Tuesday.

The EC asked NCP to inform the Commission in writing by October 7, 2025, of its choice by picking one from the 50 unallocated symbols.

The 50 symbols which are in the list includes Almirah, Bedstead (Khat), Ostrich, Kite, Cup-Saucer, Spectacles, Building (Dalan), Brinjal, Charger Light, Computer, Jug, Ship, Tube-Well, Tiffin Carrier, Table, Table Clock, Telephone, Refrigerator, Tabla (Tobla), Egret, Cock, Pen, Watermelon, Flute, Gourd, Pitcher (Kolosh), Prawn, Plate, Bench, Litchi, Swing (Dolna), Butterfly, Balloon, Football, Flower Tub, Stool (Morha), Bucket, Banana, Electric Fan, Mug, Microphone, Peacock, Mobile Phone, Conch, Sewing Machine, Sofa, Suitcase, Deer, Duck and Helicopter.

On September 30, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters that the symbol (Water Lily) they (NCP) requested is not included in the schedule of symbols. So, The EC will write to them asking to confirm a suitable alternative (from the schedule).

On September 25, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin told reporters that Nagorik Oikya, led by Mahmudur Rahman Manna, first applied for the ‘water lily’ symbol and then NCP applied for the same symbol.

Earlier on September 23, the EC Secretary Akhter Ahmed said since the water lily is not in the list of symbols, the National Citizen Party (NCP) has no chance to get it.

In reaction, NCP chief organiser (northern region) Sarjis Alam in a Facebook Post on the same day protested the EC’s decision to not allocate the "Shapla" (water lily) symbol to the party.

"Since there is no legal obstacle, NCP's symbol must be Shapla. There is no other option. Otherwise, we too shall see how the election is held and who dreams of coming to power," said the NCP leader.

On September 22, NCP’s chief coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary said they want ‘Water Lily’, ‘White Water Lily’ or ‘Red Water Lily’. “We are not moving away from this demand. A conspiracy is going on over the issue. But registration must be given with one of these three symbols,” he said.

The EC has already taken a decision to award registration to NCP and another new political party Bangladesh Jatiya League as they fulfilled conditions.

This time the Commission received applications from 143 parties seeking registration. After scrutiny, the EC shortlisted 22 parties for further field-level inquiries. After reviewing this information (gleaned from field-level), the Commission believes that two parties preliminarily met the conditions.

Besides, 12 other parties are under extensive inquiries of the commission to assess whether they fulfill the registration conditions.

Now the total number of registered political parties now stands at 52, including Awami League. But AL’s registration was suspended by the EC in May last soon after the government banned its activities under the Anti-Terrorism Act, until the International Crimes Tribunal completes the trial of the party and its leaders.

A total of 56 parties have so far obtained registration, but five of them—Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Freedom Party, Oikyabodha Nagorik Andolan, PDP and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa)—later lost their status due to different grounds and court orders. But Jamaat has recently got back their registration following the court order, reports UNB.