The Election Commission of Bangladesh has directed the National Citizen Party (NCP) to select an alternative election symbol by October 7, as their preferred “lotus” symbol is not included in the official electoral guidelines. The NCP initially applied for registration with a list of three preferred symbols: lotus, pen, and mobile phone. However, under the 2008 electoral conduct rules, the lotus cannot be allotted since it is not on the approved list of 115 reserved symbols. In response, NCP leaders accused the Commission of unconstitutional and discriminatory practices, alleging favoritism and bias in symbol allocation. The Commission insists NCP must choose from the 50 available unallocated symbols, which include items like ostrich, cupboard, football, sewing machine, and helicopter. Out of 143 applications for registration, only two parties, including NCP, met preliminary conditions.