Ishraque steps down to spare PM

State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain has said he voluntarily sought release from his ministerial responsibilities to spare the Prime Minister and his party embarrassment, but vowed to continue his campaign against drugs in Dhaka-6 and adjoining areas.

Speaking at a press conference at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club on Monday, Ishraque said the Prime Minister had instructed him to continue the anti-drug campaign and had agreed to his plan to work against drugs and address problems affecting public life.

He also said he was fully prepared to contest the Dhaka mayoral election if the party asked him to do so, adding that he would support another party nominee if someone else were selected.

Ishraque described drugs as a serious threat to the country's future and the very existence of the state. He said the fight for independence had not ended with the Liberation War, as the country still needed to struggle in areas such as culture, the economy, drug control and border security.

He said the spread of drugs was destroying the future generation and called for effective measures to dismantle the trade, identify its masterminds and bring those responsible to justice.

“I have voluntarily sought release from my responsibilities as State Minister for Liberation War Affairs. From now on, I want to work to eliminate drugs and address problems affecting public life in Dhaka-6 constituency, adjoining areas and, if necessary, other areas,” he said.

Defending his recent anti-drug campaign, Ishraque criticised lawyers who had commented on the operation during television talk shows. He said the campaign had been conducted in line with a decision by the law and order committee of Dhaka-6, with the knowledge and involvement of the officer-in-charge of the local police station and other relevant people.

As an elected public representative, he had coordinated the campaign, he said.

He argued that the controversy over the involvement of public representatives was diverting attention from the main issue - the spread of drugs. Instead of criticising the operation, he urged people to provide information about drug hotspots, those involved in the trade and the people directing it.

He said he wanted to ensure the country's future by taking effective action against drugs and holding the key figures in the trade accountable.

READY FOR MAYORAL RACE
Asked about the possibility of contesting the Dhaka mayoral election, Ishraque said he was fully prepared if the party required him to run.

“I am 100 per cent ready to contest the mayoral election. If someone else from the party is selected as the candidate, I am also 100 per cent ready to work to ensure that person's victory,” he said.

Referring to his experience of contesting a mayoral election in 2017, he said the Prime Minister would make the final decision on the party's candidate.

“I will not be unsettled by anything. I will continue working in accordance with the expectations of ordinary people, Insha'Allah,” he added.