National Citizens’ Party (NCP) South Region Coordinator Hasnat Abdullah responded to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin’s statement on the Shapla symbol with a cryptic Facebook post, saying there was “no permission from above” and “no signal from the north.” The CEC earlier clarified that the Election Commission would not explain why parties were denied the Shapla symbol, stressing the decision was final and independent. He emphasized the EC works neutrally and not under external influence.