Dhaka, Dec. 17 -- Emphasising individual freedom in the electoral process, Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday said that taking part in the election is a matter of personal choice for each candidate.

The adviser made the remarks in response to questions at the BKMEA office in Narayanganj about the withdrawal of Narayanganj-5 BNP-nominated candidate Masuduzzaman Masud, who cited security concerns. "Security is a big word. You all are coming here today. You could have said we have a security crisis, and none of us will come. It is everyone's personal matter. Why he won't contest the election - maybe investigative journalists can find out," he added.

At a press conference held at the Narayanganj Press Club on Tuesday,...