Published: June 22, 2025, 07:18 PM
The National Citizen Party (NCP) has officially applied for registration with the Election Commission (EC), requesting the "Shapla" (water lily) as its preferred electoral symbol. If unavailable, the party has listed “Pen” and “Mobile” as alternative options.
On Sunday, the final day for registration applications, an NCP delegation submitted the necessary documents at Nirbachan Bhaban around 4 PM. The delegation included Member Secretary Akhter Hossain, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, Northern Region Chief Organiser Sarjis Alam, and Senior Joint Convener Samantha Sharmin.
“We have submitted our application in accordance with the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and have fulfilled all related conditions,” Akhter Hossain told reporters.
NCP is among a number of parties that submitted their applications on the final day of the extended deadline, which was initially set for April 20 but later moved to June 22.
Other applicants include Janatar Party Bangladesh (JPB), Ganadal, Bangladesh Janajote Party (BAJPA), Bangladesh Republican Party (BRP), Bangladesh Samata Party, Bangladesh Faraezi Andolon, Bangladesh Citizen Party, Islami Oikya Jote, Notun Bangladesh Party (NBP), and several more.
Janatar Party Bangladesh (JPB) has also applied for registration and requested the “Elephant” as its symbol. JPB Secretary General Shawkat Mahmud acknowledged the challenges of the current registration rules but affirmed the party’s commitment to comply and support any reforms the EC may adopt.
Another party, Janatar Dal, led by Convener Brig Gen (retd) Shamim Kamal and Member Secretary Azam Khan, applied with a request for the “Key” as their electoral symbol. Shamim Kamal said the party has met all legal requirements, including forming district and upazila-level committees.
A total of 65 new political parties submitted applications within the EC’s registration window under Article 90A of the Representation of the People Order, 1972. Registration enables a political party to contest elections using its own symbol.
Currently, 50 parties are registered with the EC. The Bangladesh Awami League’s registration remains suspended, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami may soon regain its status following a court verdict.
