Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Md. Sanaullah stated that the application from two political parties—Nagarik Oikya and NCP—requesting the Shapla (Water Lily) symbol was rejected. The application was made on April 17 and June 22 respectively. The symbol was excluded from the official list as it is considered a national emblem. Currently, 51 electoral symbols have been designated for registered parties, with 64 additional symbols reserved for new or independent candidates. NCP leader Sarjis Alam questioned the decision, arguing that if Shapla is excluded as a national symbol, so should Dhaner Sheesh (Paddy Sheaf), which is also nationally symbolic. The election symbol list includes 115 icons, including Nouka (Boat), even though the Awami League’s registration is currently suspended.