Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) has removed the 'boat' symbol—long associated with the ruling Awami League—from its official website, following a recent court order that led to the party’s registration being suspended.

EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed the development on Wednesday, saying the symbol was removed in line with directives from the commission.

“The party’s symbol has been removed as per instruction,” he said.

The move comes amid mounting pressure from the National Citizens Party (NCP), which demanded that the boat symbol be delisted following the suspension of Awami League’s registration.

On Tuesday night, Asif Mahmud, an advisor to the interim government, wrote on Facebook: “The cursed boat symbol has been sent to the Law Ministry for rescheduling under some consideration.”

The EC recently announced plans to revise its list of electoral symbols, expanding it to 115. 

Despite the Awami League’s suspension, the boat symbol was initially retained in the draft list, prompting objections from the NCP.

SMS/