Shapla not on official list, cannot be allotted: EC
Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar has said that the Shapla (water lily) symbol cannot be allocated in any way as it is not included in the official list of symbols under the rules for electoral symbol allocation.
“According to the symbol allocation rules, candidates must be given symbols from the list of registered symbols. Legally, if a symbol is not on our list, it cannot be allocated under any circumstances. The Election Commission cannot make decisions beyond the law,” he said.
He made the remarks on Saturday (October 19) at 10:00 am while speaking to journalists after a training workshop at the Sylhet Police Lines, organised to enhance the efficiency of police in performing election duties smoothly.
Anwarul Islam further said, “There has been no event so far that would prevent the election from being held in February. The election will take place on time. We hope it will be completed before the month of Ramadan.”
Regarding a free and fair election, the Election Commissioner said, “The Election Commission is a constitutional institution. There is no room for past incidents or what has been seen or heard before to happen this time. We want a free, fair, and acceptable election. For that, we seek everyone’s cooperation. There is no alternative to conducting a good election.”
On the preparedness of law enforcement agencies, he said, “We are receiving extensive cooperation from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Coast Guard, and all other law enforcement agencies. Therefore, we are not anticipating any challenges.”
When asked whether the election would follow the conventional procedure or the proportional representation system, he said, “This is a political decision. I will not comment on it. Politicians themselves will make a decision on this matter. The job of the Election Commission is to organise a fair election. With the cooperation of the government and the people, we will do just that.”
Regarding the Awami League’s participation, he said, “So far, the Awami League has no opportunity to participate in the election because the party’s activities are currently legally suspended.”