Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin has questioned why the allocation of the “Shapla” (water lily) election symbol is now attracting controversy, when it did not provoke any debate the first time it was sought, and subsequently rejected, for Mahmudur Rahman Manna-led Nagarik Oikya.

Responding to journalists’ queries at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Thursday, the CEC remarked, “There was no discussion over the water lily symbol when Nagarik Oikya first applied for it. Why is the same issue being raised now?”

He clarified that the Election Commission’s decision on symbol allocation was made after due consideration of various factors. “They [the National Citizens’ Party] can send a letter if they wish—there is no problem with that,” he added.

On the political discourse surrounding the symbol, the CEC noted, “They can express their views as politicians. That is their prerogative.”

The Chief Election Commissioner also addressed concerns about public trust, particularly among the Bangladeshi diaspora. “We have earned the trust of the people of this country,” he said. “However, during my recent visit to Canada, I observed significant gaps in awareness among our expatriates. Many of them harbour distrust towards the Election Commission, often due to a lack of accurate information.”

He emphasised the need for better communication with overseas citizens to bridge this understanding gap and reinforce confidence in the electoral process.