Sylhet, Oct 19 (V7N) — Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam has said that the Election Commission (EC), being a constitutional body, cannot take any action beyond what is permitted by law — including allocating the ‘shapla’ (water lily) symbol requested by the National Citizens Party (NCP).

He made the remarks while speaking to reporters on Sunday (October 19) after attending a training program at Sylhet Police Lines aimed at enhancing police preparedness for the upcoming national elections.

“According to the symbol allocation rules, symbols can only be assigned from the officially available list,” said Anwarul Islam. “The Election Commission operates strictly within the legal framework and cannot allocate a symbol that is not permitted by the law or existing regulations.”

Dismissing rumors about a possible delay in the elections, the Election Commissioner stated, “Nothing has happened that would prevent the election from being held in February. Many reports have circulated in the media, but they will have no impact. We are hopeful that the election will be held before Ramadan.”

He further assured that fair and peaceful elections will be conducted with the cooperation of all parties and law enforcement agencies, adding that no controversial individual will be appointed to positions of electoral responsibility.

“All forces are ready, and the law and order situation will not pose a challenge. There is no possibility of elections being held like in the past,” he said confidently.

When asked about the proposed Proportional Representation (PR) system, Anwarul Islam declined to comment, saying it is a political issue outside the EC’s administrative jurisdiction.

The event was also attended by Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury, PPM, Additional Police Commissioner Md. Masud Rana, PPM (Services), Sylhet District Police Superintendent Md. Mahbubur Rahman, and CTSB (DC) Afzal Hossain.

END/SMA/AJ