Dhaka, Jan. 21 -- A total of 1,967 candidates are left running from 298 of the country's 300 constituencies in the 13th Jatiya Sangshad election, after 305 contestants withdrew from the race, for which the deadline expired on Tuesday.

The figure is expected to rise further once the candidates from Pabna-1 and Pabna-2 are finalised. The last date for withdrawal in those two constituencies was extended to January 26, following a legal battle over the delimitation of their boundaries.

Even without them though, the number of candidates making it onto the ballot this time will be the highest since 2008, despite the absence of the Awami League due to an activities ban, and some other parties staying away of their own accord.

The number of co...