Contesting or quitting polls a candidate's personal matter: Jahangir
Adviser says journalists can look into BNP candidate’s withdrawal
The decision to contest an election or withdraw is a candidate's personal matter, and the government has nothing to say about it, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said today (17 December).
"We know it is his personal reason. Who will contest and who will not, and why – that is an individual matter. We have nothing to say about it," he told reporters at an event in Narayanganj, referring to BNP-nominated candidate Masuduzzaman Masud's announcement that he would withdraw from contesting in Narayanganj-5 (Sadar-Bandar).
Emphasising security, the adviser said, "Security is a big issue. Everyone is coming here. Those who come could also say there is a security risk and that they will not come – that too is a personal matter."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"If journalists investigate, it will come out why he is not contesting," he added.
Asked about reports that an Indian visa centre in Dhaka had been closed over security concerns, he said he was not aware of the matter and had heard it from reporters.
On Sharif Osman Hadi, he said, "Osman Hadi is now in Singapore for treatment. Please pray for him so that he recovers and returns to us."
He described Hadi as a "July fighter" and said he had played a significant role for the country.
At the programme, the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) handed over six police vans to Narayanganj district police and Industrial Police-4.
On the economy, Jahangir Alam said the garment industry, particularly the knitwear sector, is one of the key drivers of the national economy.
"Safe industrial zones, stable law and order, and close cooperation between the administration and factory owners are essential for the sector's sustainable development," he said.
