Dhaka, Oct 07 (V7N) – The National Citizens Party (NCP) has once again written to the Election Commission (EC) requesting allocation of the Lotus symbol. Along with the application, the party has also submitted seven sample designs of the Lotus symbol for consideration.

The letter, signed by NCP Convener Nahid Islam, was sent to the EC Secretary via email on Tuesday (October 7).

According to the letter, the NCP stated that the Lotus symbol has established a deep emotional and political connection with the general public. The party said it is unable to choose any alternative symbol from the EC’s reserved list and has demanded an amendment to election rules to officially include the Lotus symbol in the EC’s approved symbol list.

Convener Nahid Islam expressed hope that the EC would allocate one of the three proposed versions—Lotus, white Lotus, or red Lotus—to the NCP.

In its letter, the NCP also accused the EC of deliberate delays in its registration process and of engaging in “unwanted, unlawful, discriminatory, and arbitrary conduct” by refusing to allot the Lotus symbol. The party alleged that such actions suggest the EC is hindering the NCP’s participation in the election process, thereby raising doubts about the commission’s commitment to ensuring a level playing field.

Incidentally, the EC has recently decided to register two new political parties ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, one of which is the NCP. However, despite the decision, the EC has maintained that the Lotus symbol will not be allotted to any political party, as it is not listed in the Election Conduct Rules.

Earlier, on September 30, the EC sent a letter to the NCP requesting the party to choose an alternative symbol from the existing list within a week.

END/SMA/AJ