Jamaat candidate announces withdrawal after symbol allocation in Chattogram-8 constituency

The withdrawal comes in support of the NCP candidate, as part of the alliance agreement

Md Abu Naser, the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate for Chattogram-8, has decided to withdraw from the race, even after the official deadline for candidate withdrawal had passed.

His decision to quit the race was revealed on Wednesday at a press conference at the Chattogram Metropolitan Jamaat-e-Islami office by the unit’s Assistant Secretary Md Morshedul Islam Chowdhury.

Morshedul, serving as the election coordinator for Chattogram-8, said: “In line with the party’s decision and to maintain unity in the coalition, Abu Naser has chosen to step aside from the Feb 12 election in support of the NCP candidate.”

On Wednesday, Md Ziauddin, the returning officer for Chattogram-8 and the divisional commissioner of Chattogram, allocated symbols to the candidates.

According to election law, once the deadline for withdrawing candidacy has passed, candidates cannot withdraw from the election. Their names and allocated symbols remain on the ballot.

Morshedul said, “On the day of nomination withdrawal, it could not be done due to his absence.”

Upon calling Abu Naser for comment, his wife answered the phone and said her husband was unwell.

The Chattogram-8 constituency comprises Boalkhali Upazila and wards three to seven of the Chattogram City Corporation. There are seven contestants in the seat.

The Khelafat Majlis candidate Mohammad Enayet Ullah withdrew his candidacy on Tuesday.

Md Jubairul Hasan Arif is contesting in the constituency from the National Citizen Party (NCP).