Staff Reporter :
Highlighting personal autonomy in the electoral process, Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday said that contesting an election depends entirely on the personal choice of a candidate.
He made the comments while responding to questions at the BKMEA office in Narayanganj regarding the withdrawal of BNP-nominated Narayanganj-5 candidate Masuduzzaman Masud, who cited security concerns.
“Security is a broad issue. You all have come here today-had you claimed there was a security crisis, you might not have come at all. This is a personal decision. Why he chose not to contest the election is his own matter, and perhaps investigative journalists can look into it,” the adviser said.
At a press briefing at the Narayanganj Press Club on Tuesday, Masuduzzaman Masud announced his decision to withdraw from the race, citing concerns raised by his family following the assassination attempt on Osman Hadi in Dhaka.
Responding to questions about the closure of India’s visa application center over security concerns and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs summon ing the Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi, Jahangir Alam said, “We also summoned them a few days ago. In diplomatic practice, when one side summons the other, a reciprocal move often follows. This is standard procedure.”
The Home Adviser also sought prayers for bullet-injured Sharif Osman Hadi, saying, “Osman Hadi of Inquilab Moncho is currently receiving treatment in Singapore. Please pray for his recovery and safe return. He is a July warrior, and his contributions to the country are significant.”
During the event, BKMEA handed over six vehicles-three each-to the District Police and the Industrial Police. Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Khoda Baksh Chowdhury, Additional IGP and Chief of Industrial Police Gazi Jasim Uddin, Dhaka Range DIG Rezaul Karim Mallick, Additional DIG of Industrial Police Md Asaduzzaman, Deputy Commissioner Raihan Kabir, and District Police Superintendent Mizanur Rahman Munshi, among others, were present.
