Independent candidate Nahiduzzaman Nishad has announced his withdrawal from the Gaibandha-5 by-election fearing vote rigging in the seat.
He made the announcement at a press conference organized at Bogra Press Club on Sunday afternoon.
In a written statement, Nishad said: “A fair and unbiased election was pledged by the Election Commission (EC). However, they were unable to do that on October 12. A particular candidate's activists and other miscreants have coerced, threatened and assaulted my supporters.”
He alleged that the EC failed to take any action against people who were involved in vote rigging.
“I have therefore chosen not to challenge the outcome of the vote. In addition, I want my security money be returned,” he added.
Former chairman of Jumarbari Union of Gaibandha Rustam Ali Akand, freedom fighter Aminul Islam, retired army member Rafiqul Islam Mukul, rural doctor Zainal Abedin and others were present at the press conference.
On October 12, the Election Commission suspended the by-polls for the Gaibandha-5 parliamentary seat amid widespread allegations of vote rigging and voter intimidation.
The Gaibandha-5 constituency comprises 10 unions of Saghata upazila and 7 unions of Phulchhari upazila.
Following the death of Fazle Rabbi Mia, MP and Deputy Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad, on July 23, the Gaibandha-5 seat fell vacant.
The candidates of the Gaibandha-5 by-polls are—Awami League candidate Mahmud Hasan Ripon, Jatiya Party candidate AHM Golam Shaheed Ranju, Bikalpa Dhara candidate Advocate Jahangir Alam, Independent candidate Nahiduzzaman Nishad and Syed Mahbubur Rahman.
A total of 3,39,743 people will cast votes in the polls.