Dhaka, Jan. 20 -- Lawyer M Sarwar Hossain has withdrawn his candidacy from Dhaka-17 in support of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.

Speaking at the Supreme Court premises on Tuesday, Sarwar said he made the decision out of respect for Tarique and his nationalist ideals.

Sarwar had initially contested as an independent candidate in Dhaka-17, which covers Cantonment, Bhashantek, Gulshan and Banani.

The Election Commission had first declared him ineligible, but he regained candidacy on appeal.

"Since BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has announced his candidacy in this constituency, I am stepping aside," Sarwar said.

"I have long embraced nationalist ideals, worked with Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, endured jail, and upheld the party's principle...