The Election Commission (EC) has revised its list of election symbols following criticism, and included the ‘Shapla Koli’ symbol.
EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said further changes may be made if deemed necessary.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday (29 October) afternoon after an inter-ministerial meeting at the Election Commission building, Akhtar Ahmed clarified that since the symbol ‘Shapla’ is not included in the regulations, no party can be allocated that symbol.
He explained that the existing list of symbols faced significant criticism. As a result, 16 symbols were removed from the previous list, while 119 symbols were retained.
Addressing questions about the inclusion of ‘Shapla Koli’, he said, “This was not added at anyone’s request. There is a difference between the ‘Shapla’ and ‘Shapla Koli’ symbols. The Commission felt it could be included, so it was added. Some symbols were removed and others added in response to feedback.”
Akhtar Ahmed emphasized that the decision was not based on which party requested it. “The EC included ‘Shapla Koli’ on its own accord. If necessary, it may be revised again in the future,” he added.
FP/MI
Over 3,000 held from AL flash processions: DMP
EC prepared to present a free election in February
40 extrajudicial killings in 14 months under interim govt: Odhikar
All-party unity needed for reform process: Taher
Extra SIMs will be deactivated from Thursday
Sheikh Hasina refuses to apologise
Dhaka’s air quality remains ‘unhealthy’
Bangladesh’s grand politics: Who’s really directing the show?
How to check if your mobile is illegal or not
