Chattogram, Oct 12 (V7N) – Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A.M.M. Nasir Uddin has addressed concerns regarding the Nationalist Congress Party’s (NCP) demand to contest upcoming elections under the Shapla (water lily) symbol. Speaking on Sunday after a meeting with law enforcement officials, election officers, and district administrators in Chattogram, the CEC emphasized that NCP leaders, who played an active role in the 1971 Liberation Movement, are known to him as patriotic citizens and that the party is expected to support a smooth democratic transition rather than obstruct it.
 
The CEC clarified that the Election Commission can reduce or increase the number of election symbols if needed. However, since the Shapla symbol was not included in the Commission’s official list, it could not be allocated to the NCP. He assured that final decisions on symbol allocation will follow a transparent process, stating, “Politics is never static. We hope NCP will take a positive stance in the end.”
 
During the discussion at the Circuit House in Kazi Deuri, Chattogram, officials also addressed concerns over mob violence, misuse of social media during the national parliamentary elections, and regional conflicts, excluding the Chattogram Hill Tracts. Present were Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Shorkar, Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Md. Ziauddin, Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz, and DIG Ahsan Habib Palash of Chattogram Range.
 
The CEC explained that during party registration, parties are asked to choose symbols from the Commission’s approved list. No symbol outside the list has been assigned so far. “Since Shapla is not in the list, we could not provide it to NCP,” he added.
 
Regarding election security, Nasir Uddin stated that illegal arms recovery operations are ongoing to maintain law and order, particularly in high-risk areas such as Chattogram. The aim is to ensure that every voter, regardless of gender, can cast their vote safely.
 
To prevent misinformation and manipulation on social media, the Commission has established a special unit collaborating with domestic and international experts. Highlighting challenges posed by AI-generated misinformation, he said that nearly 50% of the sources of such false information are difficult to trace. While some have suggested cutting off internet access on voting day, the CEC rejected this, emphasizing the need for free flow of information.
 
Additionally, the CEC announced plans to allow expatriate Bangladeshis to vote via postal ballots, marking a historic step in the country’s electoral process. Voting arrangements will ensure that presiding and polling officers, while administering elections, can cast their own votes securely.
 
The Chief Election Commissioner reiterated that the Election Commission is committed to organizing a participatory, impartial, and safe election, involving journalists, law enforcement, and all stakeholders in the process.
 
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