The National Citizen Party (NCP), currently in the process of registration, has applied to the Election Commission (EC) to allocate the Shapla (water lily) as its electoral symbol.

On Tuesday, the EC said Shapla was not on the official list of symbols and that the party must choose an alternative.

The next day (Wednesday), however, NCP submitted a fresh application requesting Shapla, White Shapla, or Red Shapla as options.

The application, signed by NCP convener Md Nahid Islam, was sent to the EC secretary and also emailed.

In its application, the party said it had completed all requirements for registration, but the EC’s refusal to allow Shapla was “arbitrary” and raised questions about its neutrality.

NCP urged the commission to amend the 2008 Election Conduct Rules, if necessary, to allocate one of the three Shapla variants.

The party added that the EC should abandon its “stubborn stance” and make decisions that strengthen public confidence in its commitment to free, fair, and impartial elections.