Bangladesh's student-led NCP pushing EC into corner over 'Shapla' election symbol

Baidya Bikash Basu | October 4, 2025 9:06 PM

Dhaka: Bangladesh's National Citizen's Party (NCP) led by Nahid Islam has threatened to halt the February 2026 general elections if it is not allocated one of its requested symbols - a red or white Shapla (Water Lily). The Election Commission (EC) had confirmed that the NCP had initially applied for 'Shapla', pen, or mobile phone but later revised the request and is adamant on getting 'Shapla' - the national flower and national emblem of Bangladesh - as an election symbol.