Mannan decided to stop campaigning until the Election Commission (EC) guarantees his safety.

"I will resume campaigning when the EC ensures my security," said the BDB general secretary at a press conference at the National Press Club yesterday.

Mahi B Chowdhury, BDB central committee member and the party's candidate for Munshiganj-1 by-elections who also addressed the press conference, demanded army escorts for Abdul Mannan and troops deployment at all voting centres in Dhaka-10 and Munshiganj-1 constituencies during election.

Mahi rushed to Dhaka from Munshiganj upon hearing the news of attack on Mannan's motorcade yesterday.

Mannan alleged that ruling BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) cadres attacked his motorcade at Tejgaon Railway Colony, Tejgaon Truck Stand and East Rajabazar, injuring several activists and damaging nine vehicles.

He said the attackers snatched two loudspeakers and banners, and attempted to set fire to a jeep in the motorcade. They also prevented him from using loudspeakers during his campaign at East Rajabazar, Mannan alleged. "Had it not been for my security men, I'm afraid I would have been killed."

Mannan said he lodged complaints with the EC, but to no effect. He also alleged that police are not allowing him to lodge general diaries (GDs) or cases in connection with the attacks.

Atiqur Rahman, duty officer of Tejgaon Police Station, however, said no-one went to the police station to file any case or GD.

In an earlier statement, Mannan alleged intelligence agencies of the government were preparing a list of his party workers who joined BDB's election campaign.

He brought allegations against the BNP candidate for the Dhaka-10 constituency of violating election rules by printing colour posters and hanging billboards.

Mahi and Mannan said the government was planning to rig the polls sensing BDB's victory in the by-elections.