Awami League candidate in Rangpur-3 by-election quit the race yesterday following directives of party high-ups and is now backing the Jatiya Party candidate, Erhsad’s son Saad Ershad.

Rezaul Karim Razu submitted his withdrawal letter to Rangpur’s Regional Election Officer Shahtab Uddin around 4:30pm yesterday, said the election official.

Talking to the reporters, Razu, also the general secretary of Rangpur city AL, said he had just followed the decision of the party central leaders.

AL sources said Razu’s decision had disheartened the local party men.

The seat fell vacant after the death of HM Ershad on July 14.

The election is scheduled to be held on October 5.