National Citizens Party (NCP) has warned that it will mount a political challenge against the Election Commission (EC) if it denies Shapla (water lily) as poll symbol.

NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary made the remark on Sunday (July 13) while meeting with Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin at the EC headquarters in Dhaka.

He said that the party would not accept any alternative to Shapla symbol.

Nasiruddin said, “We have examined the matter legally and there is no bar to granting us the symbol. If the EC refuses, we will fight this politically.”

He also demanded that the commission be restructured before the next national election. 

“The EC must be reorganised in a straightforward manner. The law under which it was formed should also be amended. Those who have performed their duties impartially should be retained,” he added.

Nasir alleged that some officials have been working as spokespersons for certain parties.

However, NCP urged EC to grant their request to list Shapla as an electoral symbol should the party’s registration application be approved.

MSK/