Jatiya Oikya Front leader Dr Kamal Hossain has confirmed that he will not be contesting the 11th general election.
The list of 113 nomination seekers from Dr Kamal's Gono Forum did not include his name, as Dr Kamal neither collected nor submitted nomination forms.
Wednesday, November 28, is the last day for submitting nomination forms to returning or assistant returning officers. Alternatively, nomination seekers could have filed nomination papers online.
Gono Forum leader Zaglul Haider Afrik said: "Dr Kamal Hossain will not contest the polls, nor will his daughter Sara Hossain, who is currently abroad."
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In total, Gono Forum will submit nominations for 113 seats.
Expressing concern over Dr Kamal's decision, Oikya Front leader Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury said: "It would have been better if Dr Kamal had filed nomination forms for a constituency. We do not know why he is not going to contest the polls."
In an interview with the Dhaka Tribune on Tuesday, Dr Kamal said he did not wish to participate in the polls in order to help the young generation take charge.
"I think people should retire at their peak," he said. "All the current nomination aspirants and candidates are at least 20 years younger than me. As I will not find anyone of my age in parliament, I will not contest the upcoming general election."
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However, he will still participate in meetings and campaigns, as well as deliver speeches.
"I will provide my insights, my thoughts, and my experiences to parliament, to ensure good governance despite not being an elected representative," he said.
When asked if his decision to stand aside from the polls reflected his desire to become the president, Dr Kamal said he did not harbour any such desire.
"I worked with Bangabandhu for three years," he said. "After that, I do not feel the urge to be in any kind of post. However, I can work without holding a formal position. Now, it is time for the young generation to take charge."
