Dhaka, Feb. 9 -- Two more candidates in the Cumilla-9 constituency have withdrawn from the election to pledge their support to the BNP's Sheaf of Paddy symbol.

Abdullah Al Hasan of the Gono Odhikar Parishad and independent candidate Abul Kashem announced their departures during an election rally for BNP candidate Abul Kalam on Monday.

The event was held at the Laksam Government Pilot High School grounds.

These withdrawals follow a similar move by BNP "rebel" candidate Samira Azim Dola.

Having initially secured the "Football" symbol, she pulled out of the contest shortly after the allocation of symbols to endorse the official BNP nominee.

BNP candidate Abul Kalam expressed his gratitude to all three candidates for their support.

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