Bangladesh Tarikat Federation chairman and incumbent lawmaker Syed Najibul Bashar Maizbhandari has quitted the election race for Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari) constituency in the upcoming 12th general Election slated for January 7.

He made the announcement at a press conference held at Fatikchhari Maizbhandar Sharif Rahman Manzil and extended his support for the ruling Awami League candidate.

Earlier, Najibul became a candidate from Tarikat Federation with the ‘flower’ symbol.

‘I have been elected MP with the ‘boat’ symbol three out of four times.  The Prime Minister has honoured me time and again. It is my moral responsibility to show respect to her. In such a situation, I do not think it is appropriate to contest against the ‘boat’ symbol in Fatikchhari,’ he said.

‘Besides, if I am in the election field, I think the victory of ‘boat’ may be obstructed due to the votes I will get,’ he added.

‘So, considering the overall situation, I am withdrawing my candidature to honour the 14-party alliance leader and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and to continue the overall development of Fatikchhari. I have always been and will always be beside the people of Fatikchhari,’ he said.