Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mahsud announced that political parties will no longer be allowed to use the national flower ‘Shapla’ (Water Lily) as an election symbol. The decision stems from its status as part of Bangladesh’s national emblem. Applications by parties such as Nagorik Oikya and the newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP) requesting the symbol were rejected. Although 69 symbols are currently scheduled, the EC plans to expand this list to over 100 ahead of the next general election. A proposal to amend the official symbol list will soon be sent to the Ministry of Law for approval.