NLD symbols removed in bid to erase last vestiges of Myanmar’s ousted ruling party

Symbols of the National League for Democracy (NLD) were removed from the party’s headquarters in Yangon over the weekend, prompting accusations from party officials that Myanmar’s military regime is attempting to erase the country’s most popular political movement from public life. The party’s iconic “Fighting Peacock” emblem and a signboard bearing the NLD name were taken down from the top floor of the party’s five-story headquarters on West Shwegondine Road in Yangon’s Bahan Township during the early hours of June 13. While no group has claimed responsibility and no official explanation has been provided, NLD officials said the removals fit a longstanding pattern of military efforts to dismantle the party. A senior party official, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons, described the move as a sign that the junta continues to view the NLD as a significant political threat. “Now that they have started targeting the headquarters, we are in a situation where we need to be extremely cautious,” the official said. “From their perspective, the NLD remains a thorn in their side.” The headquarters has remained inaccessible since May 2021, when military authorities arrested several NLD members who had been staying at the building following the February 2021 coup. Since then, the office has been locked and party members have reportedly been barred from entering. The removal of the NLD symbols was followed by another incident on June 14 involving the residence of detained party leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Observers reported that a portrait of independence hero General Aung San, Suu Kyi’s father, and a sign displaying one of his well-known quotations were removed from the entrance gate of her home on University Avenue in Yangon. The entrance gate to Aung San Suu Kyi’s home in Yangon after the removal of her father Aung San’s portrait (Photo: Myanmar Now) The removals occurred despite the residence being under heavy security, including a permanent police presence. No official statement has been issued regarding the disappearance of the items. Party leaders argue that the actions are part of a broader campaign by the military government to eliminate the NLD’s public presence and political influence. Aung Kyi Nyunt, a member of the party’s Central Executive Committee, said the regime appeared intent on creating the impression that the NLD no longer exists. “They want to show that the NLD has disappeared simply by removing signboards,” he told Myanmar Now in a written response to a request for comment. He compared the current campaign to similar efforts under former military ruler Than Shwe, noting that previous attempts to destroy the party ultimately failed. Founded in 1988, the NLD emerged as Myanmar’s dominant political force, winning overwhelming public support in the 1990 election and later securing landslide victories in the 2015 and 2020 general elections. The party’s popularity has long been associated with Aung San Suu Kyi, who spent roughly 15 years under house arrest during previous military regimes. Since seizing power on February 1, 2021, the military has carried out an extensive crackdown on the NLD. According to party records, 149 NLD lawmakers and 2,880 party members were arrested between the coup and January 2026. In addition, eight lawmakers and 118 party members died either in junta custody or as a result of military actions. The NLD headquarters in Yangon, seen before and after the 2021 coup (Photos: EPA; Myanmar Now) Records further show 167 incidents involving the destruction of party offices across the country and the confiscation or sealing of 460 properties belonging to party members and elected representatives. Current and former NLD members say many local party leaders have been forced into hiding to avoid arrest. Some have had their homes seized, while others continue to face threats and surveillance. Despite the pressure, party officials insist the NLD remains resilient. “As long as the people exist, so will the party,” Aung Kyi Nyunt said, expressing confidence in the organisation’s future despite years of repression. The latest removals come just days before Aung San Suu Kyi’s 81st birthday on June 19. Democracy activists inside Myanmar and abroad are preparing commemorative events and “Proof of Life” campaigns led by her son, Kim Aris, to draw attention to her continued detention and to raise awareness about her condition. The effort to erase the NLD also coincides with a trip to China by junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, who rebranded himself as Myanmar’s civilian president earlier this year after staging elections backed by Beijing. Meeting with the Myanmar dictator on Tuesday, Chinese president Xi Jinping said he “supports the new government in balancing development and security to find a correct development path that suits its national conditions and enjoys the people’s support.”

NLD symbols removed in bid to erase last vestiges of Myanmar’s ousted ruling party

Party officials describe the move as a sign that the junta continues to view the NLD as a significant political threat

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