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BNP lawmaker Ishraq Hossain resigned as state minister for Liberation War Affairs on Monday amid controversy.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club in Dhaka shortly after 2pm, Ishraq announced his resignation.
He said reports published in local and international media involving his participation in an anti-narcotics drive in Dhaka’s Gandaria area were partly true and partly exaggerated.
He alleged that a fabricated narrative had been created to target and humiliate him, placing both him and his party in an embarrassing position.
The lawmaker also said he wanted to work to eliminate drugs in his Dhaka-6 constituency and neighbouring areas, as well as address other problems affecting people’s daily lives.
He said the struggle for independence had required sacrifices, adding that the fight must continue in various areas even after independence. He cited cultural and economic challenges, the fight against drugs and border security as issues requiring sustained efforts.
Describing the spread of drugs as a threat to the country’s future and existence, he said narcotics were not only destroying the next generation but could also put Bangladesh’s future at risk. He said he therefore wanted to continue the campaign against drugs.
Criticising comments made by lawyers on television talk shows over the recent anti-drug operation, Ishraq said the drive had been conducted in line with a decision by the law and order committee for Dhaka-6. He claimed that the officer-in-charge of the local police station and other relevant officials had been informed and were involved in the operation.
As an elected representative, he said, he had coordinated the drive.
Ishraq argued that controversy over the role of elected representatives in the operation was diverting attention from the underlying drug problem. He urged critics to help tackle the issue by providing information about drug hotspots, those involved in the trade and its key organisers.
He stressed the need to identify the main figures behind drug trafficking and bring them to justice, saying effective action against narcotics was essential to protect the country’s future.
Reiterating his decision, Ishraq said he would focus on eliminating drugs and resolving public problems in Dhaka-6 and surrounding areas, and elsewhere if necessary.
Earlier on Saturday, Ishraq posted a video on social media showing himself carrying a firearm while pursuing suspected drug dealers. The video sparked widespread discussion online and raised questions about his conduct during the operation.
He met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday afternoon. Later that night, reports emerged that the prime minister had instructed him to resign. Bangladesh Television also reported that the prime minister had asked him to step down.
As the reports triggered controversy, Ishraq wrote on his verified Facebook page that news of his resignation was “untrue and misleading”.
A few hours later, on Monday morning, he announced in another Facebook post that he would formally declare his resignation at a press conference that afternoon.
