However, Rokeya Ahmed Lucky, wife of former BNP lawmaker Shamsuddin Ahmed Ishaq, is still in the race as an independent candidate.

The last date for withdrawal of candidature is June 5

Those who withdrew their candidature apparently following pressure from the high command of the BNP are Mia Mohammad Selim, Mesbahuddin Bhuiyan Iran, BG Rashid Nawsher and Harunur Rashid Harun, son of Ishaq.

At a joint press conference, they said they withdrew their candidatures, showing respect to the party's decision.

"We will remain united in any kind of decision in the future", Mia Mohammad Selim told the newsmen at the press conference.

Vice-president of the BNP district unit Mir Fazlur Rahman, Jasim Uddin Bhuiyan, Golam Kabir Kamal, Mostakim Panna and AKM Golam Kibria Billal were present at the press conference.

Rokeya Ahmed Lucky said she will contest the election as an independent candidate to finish the unfinished works of her husband.

The ruling party has nominated Khairul Kabir Khokon as its candidate. The parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of Shamsuddin Ahmed Ishaq.