Latif won't contest by-polls

Abdul Latif Siddique, who resigned from parliament on Tuesday, would not contest the by-polls of Tangail-4 constituency, from where he has been elected five times so far.

He assured that no one from his family would take part in the by-polls either.

The veteran politician shared his future plan and thoughts about the ruling Awami League with The Daily Star over the phone yesterday.

Latif said he would pass his time with his friends and close associates in addition to reading books.

Responding to a query about supporting the AL-backed candidate in the by-polls, he said he would always remain respectful to AL chief Sheikh Hasina's decisions.

Asked if he would get involved in politics, he just commented, "Only time will say."

Latif, who was elected an MP from Tangail in 1970, 1973, 1996, 2008 and 2014, would spend most of his time at his village, which he says attracts him the most.

Replying to another question, he said he would be an Awami Leaguer till death and show every respect to AL President Sheikh Hasina as his leader.

Latif resigned from the Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday for what he claimed was the desire of his leader Sheikh Hasina.

On October 12, he was sacked from his position as the telecommunications and information technology minister and was also removed from the party presidium, the highest policymaking body of the party for his allegedly taunting religious comments. He lost his primary membership in the AL on October 24 last year.

Latif drew flak from different quarters at home and abroad following his comments on hajj, Tabligh Jamaat and prime minister's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy at a programme in the US on September 28 last year.