30 to 35 people were charging toward me, so I raised my weapon: Ishraque
Multiple photos and videos of the anti drug operation were posted on the state minister’s Facebook page. Photo: Screenshot from video
State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain has explained why he displayed a firearm during an anti drug operation in his own electoral constituency.
The lawmaker claimed that 30 to 35 people were charging toward him during an operation in the Gandaria area on Saturday. He said he raised his licensed firearm to protect himself.
Facing widespread criticism for displaying a weapon in public, Ishraque made the claim in a statement issued through the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs on Sunday.
Ishraque is the son of Sadeque Hossain Khoka, the former mayor of the undivided Dhaka City Corporation and a former member of parliament. Ishraque was elected to parliament for the first time in the latest election. After winning the Dhaka 6 constituency, he also secured a place in the Cabinet.
Multiple photos and videos of the anti drug operation were posted on the state minister’s Facebook page on Saturday. The operation took place near the railway tracks in the capital’s Gandaria area. Criticism began shortly after the post was published.
Sarjis Alam, chief coordinator of the northern region of the National Citizen Party (NCP), took a jab at Ishraque over the weapon controversy. In a Facebook post, he wrote, “Is Asif Mahmud’s weapon with Ishraque Bhai now?”
In response to the criticism, State Minister Ishraque claimed that he and his government security personnel briefly raised their weapons in self defense because they feared an attack. He said the context of the entire incident was being concealed by circulating a video and photographs showing only a few seconds of the incident.
According to Ishraque Hossain’s statement, since taking office, he has received complaints from local residents about drug sales in Ghantighar, Munsitak, Karatitola and surrounding areas of Gandaria, as well as the spread of drug use among students.
The state minister said he visited the area on October 17 as part of a coordinated social resistance program involving ordinary citizens and law enforcement personnel. The initiative was undertaken following a joint decision by the police administration and local political and social leaders.
Ishraque Hossain claimed that law enforcement agencies and his own intelligence sources had warned him about security risks before he arrived at the scene. He was also warned that drug dealers might suddenly open fire from the rooftops of buildings.
In his statement, he said that during the program, when they reached an area near a temporary drug den, 30 to 35 people approached their motorcade in an aggressive manner while shouting and creating a commotion. Fearing an attack, he and his government security personnel got out of their vehicles and briefly raised their weapons.
He claimed that the weapon was returned to its proper place as soon as the potential threat had passed. He also stated that the firearm was legally licensed and had been displayed solely for self defense.
The statement further said that six people had been detained on allegations of direct involvement in criminal activities. They were handed over to Gandaria Police Station along with the seized evidence.
Ishraque Hossain described making the Dhaka 6 constituency drug free as one of his major commitments. He said the government’s “zero tolerance” policy against drugs would continue.
He said presenting an incident out of context would not stop the social movement against drugs. Operations to dismantle drug dens in the public interest would continue in the future.
