The National Citizen Party’s (NCP) southern regional chief organizer, Hasanat Abdullah, has firmly stated that the party will not accept any election symbol other than the Shapla (water lily). Following a meeting with Election Commission (EC) officials on the final day of symbol selection, he accused the EC of acting like an authoritarian body, claiming its decisions are being imposed rather than made independently. Hasanat questioned the transparency and neutrality of the commission, alleging that it lacks the capability and moral strength to conduct a fair, participatory election. He compared the EC’s operations to those of “medieval monarchs” and warned that its arbitrary actions could lead to consequences similar to those faced by former Chief Election Commissioner Nurul Huda. He reiterated that NCP would not compromise on its demand for the Shapla symbol.