Manna quits Dhaka-18 JS race

Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna has withdrawn from the Dhaka-18 constituency just 3 days before the national election, citing the high cost of campaigning as the main reason.

"I have withdrawn myself from the electoral race in Dhaka-18," Manna told media on Monday 
morning.

He also confirmed the decision in a post on his verified Facebook page on Sunday night, saying he was currently in Bogura. Under special circumstances, he had initially planned to contest the elections from both Dhaka-18 and Bogura-2 constituencies.

"Dhaka-18 is a large constituency, covering about seven and a half police station areas with roughly 650,000 voters. The election is so expensive that I cannot manage it," he wrote, explaining his withdrawal. He also expressed regret to supporters who may feel disappointed.

Despite stepping aside from Dhaka-18, Manna remains a candidate in Bogura-2 (Shibganj), where he continues campaign. His candidacy in Bogura-2 had been temporarily cancelled over loan default allegations, but he regained eligibility after appealing to the Election Commission.

Dhaka-18 includes Khilkhet, Kuril, Uttara, Uttar Khan, Dakshin Khan, and Turag. The seat is also contested by BNP's SM Jahangir Hossain, Jamaat-e-Islami's Muhammad Ashraful Haque, and Jatiya Nagorik Party's Ariful Islam.