Haji Mohammad Salim, a mayoral candidate who was reportedly advised by the Awami League high command not to contest the Dhaka South City Corporation elections, has gone to India for ‘treatment and offering special prayers at a religious place’. 

In his Facebook page, Salim today wrote, “I left for Madras for treatment. I will go to Azmir Sharif for a special prayer there after treatment in Madras. I have tortured my health for the past few days centering mayoral elections as a result I have fallen sick.”

“I am grateful to those hundreds of thousands of party workers, supporters, brothers and sisters who worked relentlessly for me. Please bless me so that I can serve you after returning home from treatment and making the special prayers.”

Earlier on Wednesday, he wrote in his Facebook page that he submitted resignation letter in the parliament as lawmaker but Speaker Shirin Sharmin Choudhury did not receive it.

Salim was later called by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Gono Bhaban residence and advised not to take part in the elections and continue his role as an independent lawmaker in the parliament.

With this, AL will have single candidate---Sayeed Khokon---in the DSCC polls.