EC adds 120 electoral symbols for parliamentary elections

The Election Commission (EC) has added 120 electoral symbols to the list available for allocation to candidates in parliamentary elections, excluding symbols that have been suspended.

The changes were introduced through a gazette notification published in an extraordinary issue of the Bangladesh Gazette on Wednesday.

According to the notification, the EC amended Rule 9(1) of the Election Conduct Rules, 2008, exercising its powers under Article 94 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972.

Under the revised rule, subject to the other provisions of the rules and availability, a contesting candidate may be allocated any one of the 120 symbols.

The newly listed symbols include pineapple, bullock cart, truck, rocket, apple, mango, cow, tractor, book, rickshaw, eagle, camel, rising sun, horse, spectacles, key, shrimp, chair, umbrella, boat, football, mobile phone, rooster, hand (palm), elephant, hammer, helicopter, handshake and “No”.

The gazette, however, specifically marks the boat symbol as suspended. It will therefore not be available for allocation under the amended provision.

The list also includes traditional political and electoral symbols such as plough, sheaf of paddy, bicycle, torch, fish, ladder, fan, lion, scale, anchor and motorcycle, among others.

The EC has also amended the nomination form relating to the bank account used for election expenses.

Read More

EC’s UP election schedule tentative, not final: Home minister

Under the amendment, the nomination form will include not only the bank account number used for election expenditure but also the account number of the candidate or the election agent appointed by the candidate.

Another amendment concerns the affidavit submitted by candidates. The gazette replaces the existing wording in the special note under serial 3(b) of Annexure-1 with wording stating that submission of the relevant document will be considered optional.

The amendments were made under the authority of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, through SRO No. 344-Law/2026, dated September 15, 2026.