Two NPP factions fight over 'mango' election symbol, hearing held at EC

A dispute has arisen between two factions of the National People's Party (NPP) over the election symbol 'mango.' Within a span of three days, the Election Commission (EC) has held hearings with both sides, but no decision has been made yet.

Both factions claim that the 'mango' symbol belongs to them. EC officials said that the hearings for both sides have concluded and a decision will be announced later through an official EC notice.

Fariduzzaman Farhad, chairman of one of the NPP factions, attended the hearing this morning at the Election Commission building in Agargaon in the capital.

After the hearing, Fariduzzaman told reporters, "The National People's Party (NPP) was founded in 2007, and in 2008, we were registered with the 'mango' symbol. NPP Chairman Shawkat Hossain Nilu was expelled from the party because he was aligned with Sheikh Hasina's fascist government. However, the then Election Commissioner did not grant us the 'mango' symbol and instead gave it to Nilu."

Fariduzzaman said, "In protest, we submitted an application to reclaim our 'Mango' symbol. We seek justice. Today's hearing was held to ensure that justice. We had also filed a petition in court, and the order has come directing that justice be served and we be informed accordingly. The hearing was very amicable."

Earlier, on March 6, Sheikh Salauddin Salu, chairman of the other faction of NPP, attended a hearing with the EC. After the hearing, Salu told journalists, "My name is still listed as chairman on the EC's website. The commission said that the other faction (of the NPP) has submitted an application. In response, the EC has asked me to submit a letter countering their claim."

National People's Party (NPP) was founded on July 19, 2007, under the leadership of former Jatiya Party leader Shawkat Hossain Nilu. Later, in 2008, the party received registration from the Election Commission (EC) with the 'mango' symbol.

Currently, the party is divided into two factions — one is a partner of the 20-Party Alliance, while the other leads a new coalition called the NDF.

On August 16, 2014, the NPP's central executive committee expelled Fariduzzaman Farhad from the position of secretary-general on charges of violating party discipline. This led to a leadership dispute within the party.

In December 2015, Fariduzzaman Farhad first submitted an application to the Election Commission (EC), claiming the 'mango' symbol. After hearings with both factions, the EC decided in May 2016 that the 'mango' symbol would remain with Nilu.

When asked about the other faction's claim that he was expelled from the party, Fariduzzaman Farhad responded, "There will always be counterclaims. Just like Sheikh Hasina once said that the country has democracy and freedom of speech, that everything is in place. But if everything was truly there, why did Sheikh Hasina have to flee the country? So, counterclaims are inevitable. In reality, I was the one who expelled him (Nilu). He was removed with the approval of 14 members of the party's presidium."

Fariduzzaman expressed hope that he would regain the 'mango' symbol.

Regarding the matter, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told The Daily Star this morning, "There was a hearing today regarding the 'mango' symbol with a part of the NPP. A decision on this matter will be announced later."