Ishrak Hossain, a member of parliament, has said he voluntarily sought to step down as state minister for liberation war affairs after media reports on an anti-drug operation he took part in. However, he claimed that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed him to continue anti-drug activities and work to address problems in his constituency.

He made the remarks at a press conference held at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club on Monday (October 19).

During the press conference, Ishrak detailed an anti-drug operation conducted on October 17 in Ghantighar, in the Gandaria area of Old Dhaka. He addressed his decision to carry a firearm during the operation, his claims regarding the recovery of drugs and locally made weapons, and media coverage of the incident.

The press conference was also disrupted by disorder involving slogans and the presence of Ishrak’s supporters, which interfered with journalists’ professional duties.

Ishrak Says He Sought Resignation, PM Asked Him to Continue

Ishrak said he met with the Prime Minister to discuss media reports about the anti-drug operation. According to him, although the operation was intended to combat drugs, media coverage placed greater emphasis on his presence with a firearm.

He said he told the Prime Minister that the situation was overshadowing the government’s activities and causing embarrassment for the ruling party. For that reason, he expressed his intention to step down as state minister for liberation war affairs.

According to Ishrak, the Prime Minister asked him to continue anti-drug activities and work to resolve problems in his constituency.

At Monday’s press conference, he reiterated that he had voluntarily sought to relinquish his ministerial responsibilities. However, he said the Prime Minister had instructed him to continue the anti-drug campaign.

Anti-Drug Operation in Ghantighar

Ishrak said he had held discussions with police several times about the drug problem in Ghantighar since assuming office as the member of parliament for Dhaka-6. He added that the issue had also been raised at monthly law and order meetings for the constituency.

According to Ishrak, a large network involved in drug sales and distribution had developed in the area. Following complaints from local residents, he participated in the operation in coordination with law enforcement agencies.

He said a proposal had also been made to establish a police outpost in the area. He subsequently informed the Ministry of Home Affairs about the proposal through an official demi-official (DO) letter. Despite efforts to identify a suitable location and facilitate communication with the relevant authorities, the proposal was not implemented, he said.

Ishrak added that the drug problem in Ghantighar was discussed at the most recent law and order meeting held at his ministry on September 18. Considering the limitations in police personnel and equipment, he said, it was decided to pursue a phased, community-based initiative involving local residents and police to make the area drug-free.

He also said they had learned that three civilians were seriously injured in a clash between two groups over control of the local drug trade on August 12. He said precautions were taken during the operation in view of such incidents.

Ishrak Says He Carried Licensed Firearm for Self-Defence

Addressing his decision to carry a firearm during the operation, Ishrak said he owned a legally licensed gun for personal security. Security personnel assigned by the government were also accompanying him during the operation, he added.

According to Ishrak, after entering the area, he saw a group of 25 to 30 people leaving the location. He said he took out his licensed firearm because he considered it necessary for self-defence.

He said that although the firearm was visible in his hand in the video circulated on social media, he later put it in his pocket.

The group then continued the operation on foot for approximately 45 minutes, visiting different locations in the area, he said. Ishrak added that Gandaria police station was informed and police personnel subsequently arrived at the scene.

Claims Recovery of Drugs, Mobile Phones and Locally Made Weapons

Ishrak claimed that searches of several buildings during the operation led to the recovery of numerous mobile phones suspected of being stolen or snatched, a schoolbag containing mobile phones, packets containing approximately 300 grams of heroin, several bottles of alcohol, and various locally made weapons, including machetes.

According to him, the items were recovered in the presence of police. He alleged that the people present at the locations could not provide satisfactory explanations regarding ownership of the premises or the origin of the recovered items.

Ishrak said the objective was to hand over the individuals concerned to law enforcement authorities and ensure that they were brought to justice through the courts.

He added that the team spoke with local residents during the operation in an effort to reassure them. Subsequently, volunteers accompanying him dismantled temporary structures allegedly used for drug distribution.

Ishrak claimed that police arrested six people in connection with the operation. He also said the recovered items were handed over to the police.

‘The Fight Is Against Drugs, Not Personal or Political Interests’

Ishrak said the primary objective of the operation was to eliminate drugs. However, he believes that media coverage focusing on his presence with a firearm has overshadowed the operation’s main purpose.

“The fight is against drugs. I have no personal, party or political interests here,” he said.

According to Ishrak, Ghantighar has developed an extensive drug distribution network, extending beyond drug consumption and street-level sales. He said local residents had also reported alleged drug supplies to several educational institutions, including Fazlul Haque Women’s College, Gandaria College and Moniza Rahman College.

He said the problem could not be brought under control without identifying the main suppliers. Taking action only against street-level sellers would not provide a lasting solution, he added.

Ishrak called for public cooperation in identifying major drug suppliers and others involved in the distribution network.

He expressed regret if anyone had been harmed or injured during the operation. However, he maintained that he had carried the firearm only for as long as he considered necessary for his personal safety. He also reiterated his firm belief that he had not made any mistake in doing so.

At the end of the press conference, Ishrak said the fight against drugs was a long-term effort and pledged to continue it. He sought the cooperation of local residents and other relevant stakeholders in combating drugs and addressing other public concerns in Dhaka-6 and the surrounding areas.