This time, Ishraque to go on anti-drug raid 'Barehanded'
Ishraque Hossain speaks at a press conference at National Press Club on Monday after his resignation from the post of a junior minister. Photo: Taken from a video stream.
Despite resigning from the post of State Minister for Liberation War Affairs, Ishraque Hossain, the Member of Parliament for the Dhaka-6 constituency, has announced that he will continue his ongoing war on drugs.
Ishraque made this announcement during a press conference held today, Monday, at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club.
Speaking at the press conference, the Dhaka-6 MP said, "Even though I have stepped down from the post of State Minister for Liberation War Affairs, the anti-drug drive will continue. Previously, I went with a weapon. Now, I will go barehanded."
"The Prime Minister has instructed me to keep the anti-drug drive going. Along with eradicating drugs in the Dhaka-6 constituency and surrounding areas, I want to work toward solving other public sufferings. The Prime Minister has given his consent in this regard," he added.
During the press conference, Ishraque remarked that a war had to be fought for earning Bangladesh's independence. Even after achieving independence, the struggle must continue across various fields. It is essential to persist in this fight in areas such as culture, the economy, anti-drug efforts, and border security.
Describing the spread of drugs as a threat to the country's future and the state's existence, he said that drugs are not only destroying future generations but could also pose a threat to the very existence of Bangladesh. For this reason, he expressed his desire to maintain the announced campaign against drugs.
Controversy arose last Saturday over the presence of Ishraque, the Dhaka-6 MP, holding a firearm during an anti-drug operation in capital's Gendaria neighbourhood.
While some viewed his initiative to eradicate drugs positively, questions were raised regarding the display of weapons, coordination with the police, and the role of a public representative in law enforcement.
However, Ishraq claimed he raised the weapon in self-defense. After video of the incident spread on social media, widespread discussion and criticism ensued, generating discomfort and dissatisfaction within both the BNP and the government.
