Northern Region, July 10 (V7N) — Sarjis Alam, chief organizer of the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) in the northern region, has voiced strong opposition to the Election Commission’s decision to exclude the lotus flower as a political party election symbol.

Posting on his verified Facebook account late Wednesday night (July 9), Alam argued that if the lotus flower cannot be used as a party symbol, then other elements like the ear of rice should also be barred. “The lotus flower is part of the national symbol, just like the ear of rice, jute leaves, and stars,” he said. “If the lotus flower cannot be a symbol, then the ear of rice cannot be either.”

He further emphasized that the national fruit, jackfruit, is already used as a political symbol, implying there is no legal basis to ban the lotus flower, which is the national flower of Bangladesh. “If you are afraid of this symbol, then say so openly,” Alam added.

 

 

Sarjis Alam’s remarks come after Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Machud announced on Wednesday evening that the Commission had decided not to include the national symbol ‘Shapla’ (lotus flower) in the list of allowable election symbols under the election conduct rules.

Alam concluded, “If any part of the national symbol can be used by a political party, then the Shapla should also be allowed.”

The decision has sparked debate over the use of national symbols in political campaigns, raising questions about fairness and symbolism in the electoral process.

END/RH/AJ