At least 147 new parties submitted papers to Election Commission for registration

A total of 147 new political parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP), have applied for registration with the Election Commission (EC) within the extended deadline that expired on Sunday, according to EC officials.

The EC initially invited applications on March 10, setting an April 20 deadline. However, following overwhelming interest, the deadline was extended to June 22, during which 82 parties submitted their applications. 65 others had applied within the original timeframe.

Among the last-day applicants was the National Citizen Party (NCP), which submitted its registration documents on Sunday afternoon. A delegation led by NCP’s Member Secretary Akhter Hossain submitted the application at Nirbachan Bhaban at 4:00 PM. Later, NCP Convener Nahid Islam met with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin.

“We have fulfilled all registration requirements and submitted the required documents,” said Nahid Islam.
“NCP has formed 105 upazila-level and 25 district-level committees. We are hopeful about receiving registration soon.”

The party also applied for one of three electoral symbols—Water Lily, Pen, or Mobile Phone—with Water Lily being its top preference. Responding to queries about the use of a national emblem as a party symbol, Nahid Islam argued that there is no legal barrier and pointed out that other national symbols, like Jackfruit, are already used by political parties.

NCP’s Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary expressed ambitious goals for the party, stating:

“We aim to secure 300 out of the 400 parliamentary seats recommended by the Constitutional Reform or National Consensus Commission. NCP will form a national government in the future.”

The party also called for a reconstitution of the Election Commission, alleging its credibility had deteriorated over the past 15 years.

Other Applicants and Symbol Choices

Several other parties also applied on the final day, each proposing distinctive electoral symbols:

• Janata Party Bangladesh (JPB) – Sought the Elephant symbol.
  JPB Secretary General Shawkat Mahmud noted that although the current rules are difficult, the party complied fully and supports future electoral reforms.
• Janatar Dal – Requested the Key symbol.
  Convener Brig Gen (retd) Shamim Kamal confirmed that the party had fulfilled all registration conditions.
• National Democratic Party (NDP) – Applied with the Tiger symbol.
  NDP is the former party of late BNP leader Salahuddin Kader Chowdhury.

Other parties that filed applications on the last day include:

• 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)
• Bangladesh Jagrat Janata Party
• National Awami Party (Bhasani NAP)
• Bangladesh Khudra Nrigoshthi Federation
• Bangladesh Muktijoddha Janata Party
• Bangladesh Samyabadi Dal (ML)
• Bangladesh Nagorik Party (BNP)
• Jatiyo Nyaybichar Party
• Bangladesh Democratic Party (BDP)

Registration Process & Legal Background

Under Article 90A of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, newly registered political parties receive their own electoral symbols, allowing them to contest in national elections.

Currently, 50 political parties are registered with the EC. Bangladesh Awami League‍‍`s registration remains suspended, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is expected to regain registration through a recent court ruling.

The EC is now reviewing all applications before announcing which parties qualify for official registration.