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President has accepted Ishraque Hossain’s resignation as state minister for liberation war affairs, with the Cabinet Division issuing an official notification on Tuesday (October 20).
The acceptance formally brings his tenure as state minister to an end.
Following his resignation, the cabinet has 50 members, including the prime minister. Of them, 27 are full ministers and 23 are state ministers.
Ishraque, the lawmaker for Dhaka-6, announced his decision to step down at a press conference at the National Press Club on Monday afternoon. He submitted his written resignation later that evening.
As per procedure, the resignation was sent to the president through the prime minister. The Cabinet Division issued the notification after the president accepted it.
Ishraque came under controversy after he was seen brandishing a firearm during a public anti-drug drive in the capital’s Gandaria area on Saturday (October 17). A video of the incident went viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism and debate across political circles and other quarters.
At a press conference on Monday, Ishraque said he had temporarily taken up the firearm in self-defence and claimed that he had not violated any law. However, he said he decided to resign to protect his party’s image and reputation.
Despite stepping down as state minister, Ishraque said he would continue working against drugs as an ordinary party activist.
Ahmed Azam Khan is the minister for liberation war affairs.