Bangladesh, Jan. 21 -- A total of 305 candidates have withdrawn their nominations for the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) elections, leaving 1,967 contenders in the fray.

Election Commission (EC) Secretariat Director (Public Relations) and Information Officer Md. Ruhul Amin Mallick confirmed the figure late last night. News BSS

He said the 1,967 candidates - comprising both party nominees and independents - will contest in 298 constituencies, excluding Pabna-1 and Pabna-2.

According to EC officials, 2,585 nomination papers were initially submitted for 300 seats.

As per the election schedule, the deadline for withdrawal of candidatures expired at 5 pm yesterday.

Symbols will be allotted today, and election campaigning will begin tom...