Election Commission Sends List of 'Symbols' to Law Ministry for Vetting

ভেটিংয়ের জন্য ‘প্রতীকের’ তালিকা আইন মন্ত্রণালয়ে পাঠিয়েছে ইসি

The Election Commission (EC) has proposed adding 46 new symbols to its existing list, which currently includes 69 symbols. With the addition of these 46 symbols, the total number of election symbols will rise to 115. The EC has sent this list to the Law Ministry for vetting.

On Thursday (July 10), the relevant EC branch confirmed this development.

According to officials, a committee initially finalized 150 symbols for inclusion in the EC’s schedule. However, the Commission shortlisted 115 symbols for inclusion after review. These 115 symbols have been forwarded to the Law Ministry for vetting. The Law Ministry may recommend removing or adding new symbols to the list if deemed necessary.

Officials further stated that the number of political parties is increasing, and the process of registering new parties has also been initiated. So far, 147 new parties have applied for registration. To ensure there are sufficient symbols for future parties and independent candidates, the EC has taken this initiative. However, the proposal sent to the Law Ministry for amending the election conduct rules does not include the ‘Shapla’ symbol.

**List of 115 Symbols (Including 46 New Additions):** Apple, Pineapple, Spade, Bed, Table Clock, Fridge, Stool, Truck, Crane, Rooster, Mango, Date Tree, Telephone, Tiger, Rocket, Wardrobe, Bullock Cart, Television, Book, Rickshaw, Eagle, Cow, Coconut, Banyan Tree, Gourd, Ostrich, Gamcha, Dheki, Flute, Lychee, Rising Sun, Rose, Tabla, Bench, Plough, Ektara, Bell, Watermelon, Eggplant, Conch, Scissors, Kite, Star, Bicycle, Golden Fiber, Pigeon, Pen, Horse, Plate, Bucket, Sewing Machine, Wheel, Weighing Scale, Balloon, Sofa, Pitcher, Charger Light, Building, Electric Fan, Lion, Banana Bunch, Key, Wall Clock, Ladder, Jackfruit, Shrimp, Inkpot-Pen, Mug, Suitcase, Deer, Spoon-Saucer, Chair, Swing, Microphone, Hand (Palm), Sickle, Glasses, Paddy Sheaf, Car, Wristwatch, Kettle, Stick, Anchor, Torch, Hand Fan, Crocodile, Umbrella, Boat, Peacock, Duck, Computer, Jug, Butterfly, Fish, Banana, Axe, Ship, Football, Hat, Tube Well, Cauliflower, Minaret, Winnowing Fan, Tiffin Carrier, Flower Pot, Candle, Hut, Table, Flower Garland, Mobile Phone, Elephant, Hammer, Hurricane Lamp, Hookah, Helicopter.

EC officials noted that there are currently 51 registered political parties, including the Bangladesh Awami League and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Of the 115 symbols, 51 will be reserved for registered parties, while the remaining symbols will be available for future registered parties and independent candidates.