Dhaka, Oct. 12 -- Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin reminded that the National Citizen Party could not be allocated the "Shapla" symbol because it was not included in the commission's official list of approved symbols.

On Sunday, Nasir also said the commission has never given a symbol outside this list.

"The commission, however, can increase or reduce symbols if it chooses," he added.

He said the symbols previously unavailable -- 115 in total -- are now included in the list. The commission has already made a policy decision not to allow Shapla, the water lily, as an electoral symbol.

The Nagorik Oikya also sought Shapla as its party symbol, replacing the kettle, but the EC turned down the request.

On Thursday, NCP's Chief C...