Symbol Scuffle: EC Considers Mobile and Pen as New electoral symbols
The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh is set to include “Mobile” and “Pen” in the proposed list of electoral symbols, omitting the previously contested “Shapla” (Water Lily). Several political parties have already submitted formal requests to secure these two new symbols.
On June 22, the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) applied for party registration with a request to use “Shapla,” “Mobile,” and “Pen” as possible symbols. Among them, the Mobile symbol has stirred notable competition.
In a letter to the EC Secretary, President of the Jonosharthay Bangladesh party, Md. Babul Hossain, wrote, “Our political party has long been campaigning nationwide using the 'Mobile' symbol. The Election Commission is already aware of our interest in this proposed symbol.”
Jonosharthay Bangladesh applied for registration on October 30, 2022, and specifically requested the Mobile symbol. Referring to recent media reports suggesting that NCP may be allocated the same symbol, the party strongly objected. “If such a decision is made, we express our deepest protest,” the letter stated. “We also respectfully urge the Election Commission to consult us to resolve the matter.”
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Jagrata Party has staked its claim on the Pen symbol. In a letter dated February 28, party spokesperson Kazi Shamsul Islam wrote to the EC Secretary requesting the Pen symbol be allocated to their party.
According to media reports after the June 22 deadline for registration applications, several political parties had also applied for the Pen symbol. However, the Jagrata Party claims they were the first and most rightful claimant. “At the time when we applied for the Pen symbol, many political parties had not even submitted their registration applications,” the letter read.
The party further stated that upon its formation on November 28, 2024, the Pen was adopted as its symbol in the founding resolution, constitution, and official declaration. “Considering all these facts, Bangladesh Jagrata Party is the first and rightful moral claimant of the Pen symbol,” the spokesperson added.
As of now, the EC has not taken a final decision regarding either the Mobile or Pen symbols.
Previously, on April 17, a dispute arose when both NCP and Nagorik Oikya applied for the “Shapla” symbol. Despite several meetings with the Chief Election Commissioner, the EC ultimately decided not to include the Water Lily in the official list of electoral symbols, effectively making it unavailable for any political party.
