The Nagorik Oikko has withdrawn from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party–led alliance ahead of the national election, citing failure to resolve a candidate dispute. It has also announced plans to contest independently in 11 constituencies in a decision that was made public today.

Meanwhile, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), another key ally of the BNP, had earlier declared it would contest the election on its own after failing to reach a seat–sharing agreement with the BNP–led alliance. Now, despite negotiations, the BNP’s long–time ally Nagorik Oikko followed the same path after no concessions were made.

The split was triggered by the BNP’s decision to nominate party leader Shahe Alam in Bogura–2 under the “Dhaner Shish (Sheaf of Paddy)” symbol and its refusal to withdraw that nomination.

Although Manna, president of the Nagorik Oikko party, contacted senior BNP leaders several times over the issue, the talks yielded no outcome. As a result, he announced a “go–it–alone” strategy at an emergency press conference on January 19.

The press conference announced that party president Manna would contest from Dhaka–18 and Bogura–2. The party also announced its own candidates in 10 more constituencies.