NCP vows protests against EC if 'Shapla' polls logo denied

Sarjis Alam, the chief organiser of National Citizen Party (North), has warned that the party will take to the streets against the Election Commission if it does not receive the Shapla, or water lily, as its poll symbol.

On Sunday, he said the party will simultaneously campaign for the reconstitution of this "arbitrary" Election Commission if the NCP is denied the symbol.

"So far, the EC has failed to demonstrate its neutrality and capability through words or actions," he said in Kishoreganj. Sarjis added that the NCP would not form alliances in the elections simply for a few seats, ignoring the aspirations of the people.

"If NCP enters any alliance in line with public sentiment, it will contest using the Shapla symbol under its own name," he said, reports bdnews24.com.

Asked about potential allies, he said: "NCP can only form electoral alliances with parties committed to implementing the July Charter, continuing the judicial process, resisting Indian hegemony, and fighting against the allies of Awami League and the Jatiya Party."

On the Charter signature, Sarjis said: "We remain uncompromising. Other parties signed only with an election-focused approach. NCP will endorse it if the chief advisor issues directives ensuring its full implementation."