Latif Siddique, Independent candidate from Tangail-4, yesterday announced that he will not contest the coming parliamentary polls due to absence of a peaceful election environment. “An ideal election environment for free participation without any violence is not prevailing in my constituency. So, I am not contesting the polls,” he said in a letter submitted to chief election commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda at the Nirbachan Bhaban.

“Every day, innocent people are being arrested. I call the spade a spade. Ask your conscience what it says? The election arena is so polluted even under your (CEC) leadership and supervision that I am repeatedly being trampled by the police and the sand mafia. My vehicles have been damaged by drug and sand mafia under the aegis of police. I sat on a fast in front of the office of the returning officer of Tangail, but did not get any result even after 96 hours,” he said.

“In this situation, my morale has taken a beating. I know candidature can’t be withdrawn during election. So, I want to inform you (CEC) that I am leaving the election arena,” he added.

In reply to a query of journalists, Latif Siddqui said: “I don’t want innocent people to be injured or killed. If anybody dies, I have to take the responsibility. I don’t want to be a hero. It’s not the Liberation War that I will fight face to face. The EC could not ensure a fair environment for which I am quitting the polls.”