Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the southern region, today criticised the Election Commission (EC), saying its behaviour mirrors that of "kings and monarchs from the medieval era", doing whatever they wish.
"From the EC's attitude, it seems that an institutional autocracy has been established," he said after a meeting with EC's Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed at its headquarters in Dhaka's Agargaon this morning over the election symbol issue of the NCP.
A four-member NCP delegation met EC secretary around 11:00am.
Along with Hasnat, the delegation included the party's Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, Joint Convener Khaled Saifullah, and Joint Member Secretary Zahirul Islam Musa.
Hasnat added, "Any clear guidelines were not maintained in allocating symbols to existing parties. It feels like the medieval days when kings acted on their whims — the EC's behaviour resembles that of kings and monarchs. The commission must act according to principles, not personal desires."
The NCP leader said the party was not considering any alternative to the "Shapla" (water lily) symbol.
"We remain firm in our demand for the Shapla. We will achieve it through our political activities," he added.
"The selection of election symbols must be based on cultural and social context," Hasnat said, adding that the process should not alienate the public.
The NCP leader also demanded legal explanation from the EC as to why Shapla will not be allocated to the party.
He also expressed doubt over the EC's ability to conduct a free and fair election. "This Election Commission lacks the capacity to hold a transparent and neutral election. It is a 'spineless commission', influenced by various quarters. Those who appointed them are using the EC to serve their own purposes," he alleged.
Nasiruddin said the EC had been shaped according to Awami League's preferences over the past 15 years.
He added, "The BNP, Jamaat, and advisers have divided up the EC like 'spoils of war'. The current state of the country reflects that — the Election Commission has become a share of the spoils. The army took one part, BNP took one, Jamaat took another. But we want the EC to be an institution of the people."
"The commission must return to operating under proper rules and regulations," Nasiruddin added.