The Election Commission on Monday started allocating symbols among candidates for the upcoming 12th parliamentary polls slated for 7 January.

Returning officers began distributing symbols at their offices across the country in the morning.

Candidates nominated from their parties are being allocated their party symbols, while independent aspirants are being given symbols as per their wishes. In the case of similar ones, symbols are being distributed through lottery.

Twenty-seven parties, including the ruling Awami League, are participating in the general election with the major opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies boycotting the polls.

As many as 1,896 candidates are vying for 300 seats.

The aspirants can start the election campaign after the allocation of symbols and they will be able to continue campaigning until 8am on 5 January, according to the schedule.