The Election Commission (EC) will issue a public notice tomorrow, inviting applications for registration from new political parties ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. 

EC Additional Secretary KM Ali Nawaz confirmed the matter to journalists yesterday, adding that applications can be submitted until April 20.

Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam Sarkar said applications would be accepted under the existing law. However, if the Reform Commission's recommendations are implemented in the meantime, necessary measures will be taken accordingly. 

Asked why the EC is proceeding under the current law before a decision on reforms, Anwarul Islam said party registration is a lengthy process involving scrutiny and verification. "Political parties also need time to prepare," he said.

NPP Factions Battle Over 'Mango' Symbol'

A dispute between two factions of the National People's Party (NPP) over the 'mango' electoral symbol remains unresolved, despite EC hearings over the past three days. 

Fariduzzaman Farhad, chairman of one faction, attended a hearing yesterday at the EC building in Agargaon, Dhaka.

He claimed the NPP, founded in 2007 and registered with the 'mango' symbol in 2008, had wrongfully lost it to former chairman Shawkat Hossain Nilu, who was later expelled. 

"We applied to reclaim our symbol and filed a court petition directing the EC to ensure justice," he told reporters. 

On March 6, Sheikh Salauddin Salu, chairman of the rival faction, also attended a hearing, stating that his name remains listed as chairman on the EC's website and that he was asked to counter the other faction's claim.

The NPP, founded by ex-Jatiya Party leader Nilu, split into two factions -- one aligned with the BNP-led 20-Party Alliance and the other leading the NDF coalition. In 2014, the party expelled Fariduzzaman as secretary-general, sparking a leadership dispute. He first sought the "mango" symbol in 2015, but the EC ruled in 2016 to keep it with Nilu. 

Fariduzzaman dismissed claims of his expulsion, asserting he had instead removed Nilu with party approval. 

EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said a decision will be announced later.