Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated today that deciding whether to contest an election is entirely a personal matter for each candidate.

Speaking to reporters at the BKMEA office in Narayanganj around 2:45 pm, he commented on the recent withdrawal of a BNP-nominated candidate from the Narayanganj-5 constituency, saying, “Who will contest and who will not is a personal matter. We cannot comment on that.”

The remarks came a day after Md Masuduzzaman Masud, the BNP nominee for Narayanganj-5, announced he would not participate in the upcoming election, citing “security concerns.” The adviser added, “Security is a broad term. You are all here today as well. Anyone could have said there was a security risk and decided not to come. Why he chose not to contest is his personal decision—perhaps investigative journalism can provide insight.”

On questions regarding recent security-related developments with India, including the closure of visa application centers and the summoning of Bangladesh’s high commissioner in New Delhi, the adviser said, “We had summoned them previously as well. In foreign affairs, it is common for both sides to summon each other when necessary.”

Jahangir Alam also sought prayers for the recovery of Sharif Osman Hadi of Inqilab Moncho, currently receiving treatment in Singapore, stating, “Please pray for his recovery so he can return to us. He is a July fighter and has made significant contributions to the country.”

Earlier today, the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) handed over six vehicles—three each to the district police and the industrial police—in a ceremony attended by the home adviser as chief guest.

Other officials present included Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Khoda Bakhsh Chowdhury; Additional IGP (Industrial Police) Gazi Jasim Uddin; Dhaka Range DIG Rezaul Karim Mallik; Additional DIG (Industrial Police) Md Asaduzzaman; Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner Raihan Kabir; and Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman Munshi.