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Press briefing
What Ishraque said about his resignation
Published : Monday, 19 October, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Observer Correspondent
State Minister for Liberation War Affairs and Dhaka-6 Member of Parliament Ishraque Hossain resigned from the cabinet on Monday (October 19), confirming at a press briefing at the National Press Club that he had voluntarily submitted his resignation letter.
During the briefing, Ishraque detailed his recent anti-drug operation while criticizing representation of the drive.
He explained that the Ghuntighar and Munsitek areas adjacent to the Gendaria railway line had long been known as a major drug distribution hub. Following the 2024 political changes, illicit drug dens in the area intensified, with illegal trade operating freely out of small temporary structures along the tracks.
Addressing the role of law enforcement, Ishraque stated that he visited the location alongside Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) volunteers after consulting with the local Officer-in-Charge (OC) and police officials. He noted that he had previously issued a demi-official (DO) letter requesting the establishment of a police outpost in Ghuntighar. He added that police officers were often hesitant to enter the area because drug dealers frequently fired shots from rooftops.
Regarding weapons, the lawmaker stated, "I was carrying my personal licensed .30 caliber pistol and a rifle. The weapons were merely displayed for psychological reassurance and for the safety of my team members. When we managed to detain several suspects, they were handed over to Gendaria Police Station officials. No one was harmed, and we did not take the law into our own hands."
Detailing the seized items, Ishraque reported that the drive led to the recovery of nearly 300 grams of heroin, a substantial quantity of domestic weapons, other narcotics, and several stolen mobile phones, all of which were handed over to police officers.
Emphasizing that illicit drugs are destroying the youth, Ishraque remarked, "Apprehending small-scale distributors will not suffice; the drug supply chain must be dismantled. If there were any errors in my actions, I express my regret. However, I did not commit any wrong. The campaign against drugs will continue. This time I went armed; next time I will build resistance against drugs with bare hands."
-SA
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
