Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Jan 21, 2026 (BSS)- The process of allocating election symbols to 
candidates contesting the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Elections in 
Rajshahi has been completed.

A total of 29 candidates in six parliamentary constituencies across the 
district have been allotted their respective symbols.

The Election Commission stated that candidates will be able to officially 
begin their election campaigns from tomorrow in compliance with the electoral 
code of conduct.

The symbol allocation process began at 10:30 am today at the office of the 
Deputy Commissioner and District Returning Officer.

In the presence of all candidates and their representatives, the District 
Returning Officer Afia Akhter formally allocated the symbols. The Returning 
Officer, Assistant Returning Officers, and members of the law enforcement 
agencies were present during the process.

At the outset, the Election Commission briefed the candidates on the 
electoral code of conduct. This was followed by detailed discussions between 
the candidates and the Returning Officer on various issues, including 
restrictions on banners and festoons, public meetings, rallies, and 
processions.

The formal allocation of symbols started at 11:30 am. Of the candidates, 26 
party-nominated contenders across the six Rajshahi constituencies received 
their respective party symbols.

In addition, three independent candidates from two constituencies were 
allotted their preferred symbols.

Among them, independent young candidate Saleh Ahmed in the Rajshahi-2 (Sadar) 
constituency received the motorcycle symbol.

In the Rajshahi-5 (Puthia-Durgapur) constituency, Isfa Khairul Haque, former 
joint secretary of Puthia Upazila BNP and a BNP rebel independent candidate, 
was allotted the horse symbol, while Barrister Rezaul Karim, current joint 
secretary of the UK Zia Parishad and an independent BNP candidate, received 
the football symbol.

Meanwhile, during the symbol allocation process, protests were staged against 
the participation in the election and the allocation of symbols to Jatiya 
Party candidates in the Rajshahi-4 (Bagmara), Rajshahi-6 (Charghat-Bagha), 
and Rajshahi-3 (Paba-Mohanpur) constituencies.

The protest was led by Nahidul Islam Saju, former coordinator of the Anti-
Discrimination Student Movement and former organizing secretary of the 
district National Citizen Party (NCP).

After the protest, he submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner.