United News of Bangladesh

Ishraque Hossain has announced his resignation as the State Minister for Liberation War Affairs. Ishraque, the BNP MP of Dhaka-6 constituency, announced the decision at the Jatiya Press Club on Monday afternoon, two days after a video showing him brandishing firearms during an anti-drug drive went viral on social media. A video of the drive was posted on Ishraque Hossain’s official Facebook page on Saturday afternoon that sparked controversy across the country. The video shows him getting out of a vehicle with a loudspeaker and a pistol and then chasing a group of people during an anti-drug drive near the railway line in the capital’s Gandaria area. At one point, he was seen pointing the weapon towards some people while shouting, “Hey, stop, stop.” Another man in plainclothes was also seen chasing people with a weapon in his hand. In another Facebook post on Saturday evening, Ishraque pledged to continue the drives until Dhaka-6 constituency is made free of drugs. In a statement on Sunday he said he briefly raised his licensed firearm in “self-defence” during an anti-drug drive in the capital’s Gendaria area on Saturday after receiving warnings of possible “security threats”. Ishraque said he, along with his security personnel, got out of their vehicles and raised the weapon briefly when a group of 30 to 35 people allegedly approached their convoy aggressively near a suspected drug den. He claimed that law enforcement agencies and his own intelligence sources had warned him of possible security risks, including the possibility of drug traders firing at them from rooftops. “The weapon was raised for a very short time in self-defence to protect lives and property amid fears of an imminent attack,” the state minister said, adding that it was put away as soon as the potential threat had passed. Additional Police Commissioner of the Detective Branch (DB) Md Shafiqul Islam on Sunday said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will take necessary action after reviewing the viral video. Ishraque won the 2026 general election as the candidate for Dhaka-6, bagging78,850 votes. On  February, 17, 2026, he took charge as State Minister for Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.

State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain has said he will make a final announcement regarding his resignation from the post at the National Press Club at 2pm on Monday and face journalists there. He said, “I will make the final announcement of my resignation as state minister for Liberation War Affairs and face journalists at the National Press Club at 2pm today, Inshallah.” He disclosed this in a post on his verified Facebook page in the morning. In the post, Ishraque said he had seen some “self-proclaimed enlightened people” expressing ecstasy in their Facebook posts. “I hope that if the need for any movement or struggle arises in the future, they will be inspired by nationalist ideals, return home from abroad and join that movement,” he said. He said he would now work against drugs with a hundred times more enthusiasm, not as a member of parliament or state minister, but as a BNP activist. “The cleanliness campaign will be further intensified,” he said. Ishraque also said he would be able to visit different districts to strengthen the organisational capacity of the Jatiyatabadi Prajonmo Dal across the country. “Not minister, but drug eradication! Drug eradication, drug eradication!” he added.

The incident involving Liberation War Affairs State Minister and Dhaka-6 MP Ishraque Hossain raising a firearm during an anti-drug drive has caused unease within the BNP and the government, triggering widespread criticism on social media. Ishraque conducted a surprise raid on a suspected drug den in a slum beside the railway tracks in Ward No. 45 under Gandaria Police Station in Dhaka-6 on Saturday. Six people were detained on suspicion of involvement in drug trading. While people concerned have welcomed the campaign against drug dens across the country, questions have been raised over the minister’s approach. Although there is support for efforts to curb drug trafficking, the minister’s actions have reportedly put the government in an uncomfortable position.  Social media users have been closely scrutinising the incident, particularly Ishraque’s participation in an anti-drug operation without the direct involvement of law enforcement agencies and his display of a firearm. The controversy started after a video of the incident was uploaded to the minister’s own official Facebook page. Many questioned his decision to conduct such an operation as a state minister, brandish a firearm and publicise the incident on social media. Others also raised questions about the role of law enforcement agencies. What actually happened Ishraque led the surprise raid on Saturday afternoon in the Doyaganj Ghuntighar Railway Gate area beside Gandaria Railway Station in the capital. At around 5:15pm, a video of the operation was uploaded to the Facebook page of the Dhaka-6 MP and state minister for Liberation War Affairs. Its caption read: “Ishraque’s action: Drug den demolished, dealers handed over to police.” The video quickly spread across social media. It showed Ishraque getting out of a vehicle with a handheld loudspeaker in one hand and a pistol in the other before chasing a group of people. He was seen pulling back the pistol’s slide, apparently preparing it to fire, pointing it towards the group and shouting at them. BNP's Reaction  BNP leaders have expressed discomfort over the conduct of a state minister. They said they had no objection to the need for anti-drug initiatives but questioned the way Ishraque carried out the operation. However, no BNP leader was willing to put their criticism on the record. A BNP lawmaker, commenting on the incident, said he himself owned a licensed firearm, but having a licence did not mean it could be used in any situation: “A firearm may be used if self-defence is necessary and the circumstances warrant it. Otherwise, it cannot be used. Ishraque Hossain is a state minister. He should have been more responsible. If an ordinary person becomes frightened by seeing my firearm, that must also be taken into consideration. Having a firearm licence does not mean it can be displayed in any manner. I do not think what he did can be considered normal. Acting in this way is never appropriate."   The fact that Ishraque resorted to his gun during a drive against drugs, rather than some other situation, does not excuse it, in his opinion. "Let me reiterate that drugs are a serious problem. But even if the objective of an initiative is good, procedural mistakes cannot be justified. It is essential to act in accordance with the law," the lawmaker said.  Despite the intense criticism, some people have also defended Ishraque’s actions. Prime Minister’s Political Assistant Md Rashed Khan praised the minister’s firm stance against drugs, describing his initiative as commendable. However, he also advised Ishraque to exercise greater caution in the future. Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani declined to comment when asked about the incident after Sunday’s Cabinet meeting. Facing criticism, Ishraque issued a statement on Sunday claiming that 30 to 35 people approached his motorcade in an aggressive manner while making a commotion after he reached a makeshift drug den. Fearing an attack, he and his government security personnel briefly raised their firearms in self-defence, he said. The weapons were lowered after the situation returned to normal, according to the statement. The state minister also outlined steps he had previously taken to curb the spread of drugs in the area. He said he had taken initiatives to establish a permanent police outpost and address the shortage of personnel. He also claimed that he had participated in a social resistance programme based on discussions with police and local political and social leaders. However, questions remain over whether the operation had been coordinated with police beforehand. Although Ishraque referred to previous discussions with police, he told the media on Saturday that he had asked police to arrive at the scene 10 minutes after reaching the area. In a post on Sunday, Ishraque said: “From now on, we will destroy these dens with bamboo sticks. The police will stand by and watch, then arrest them in front of a magistrate and take them away. Inshallah, we will take the anti-drug struggle to its fullest form.” Legal questions Alongside questions about whether Ishraque’s firearm was legally licensed, the manner in which he displayed it in public has also come under scrutiny. The Home Ministry’s Firearms Licence Issuance, Renewal and Use Policy, 2025, sets out conditions for carrying and using firearms for self-defence, while also placing restrictions on displaying them. Under Clause 25 of the policy, a person may carry or use a firearm licensed in their own name for self-defence, but may not display it in a manner that could cause fear or annoyance to others. Police will investigate whether any legal provisions were violated in Ishraque’s case. Speaking at a press conference at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Media Centre on Sunday, Detective Branch (DB) chief Shafiqul Islam said the deputy commissioner of the Wari Division had been assigned to investigate the incident. He said legal action would be taken in accordance with the law if the investigation found any violation.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Sunday condemned State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain for brandishing a firearm during an anti-drug drive in Dhaka’s Gandaria area, saying the incident signals a reign of terror. In a statement, Jamaat Central Publicity and Media Department Secretary Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said Ishraque, also a lawmaker from Dhaka-6, was seen raising a pistol during the drive on Saturday afternoon (Oct 17). “The incident signals a reign of terror,” he said. Drug abuse has increased and the law and order situation has deteriorated since the BNP government assumed office. He said ministers, state ministers and other government officials launched various activities to divert public attention from their failures. As part of these activities, he said, Ishraque’s action during the anti-drug drive is an expression of a reign of terror. Referring to the country’s existing arms laws, the Jamaat leader said no person could use a licensed firearm to create public panic except for personal security. He said it is undesirable, unlawful and unacceptable for a state minister to take the law into his own hands, brandish a firearm and create fear among people despite having the law enforcement agencies and the administration. He also criticised what he described as the aggressive role of the minister’s bodyguards. Zubair called for action by the responsible authorities of the government to address the incident and said the minister concerned should take an active role in mobilising law enforcement agencies. He said Ishraque Hossain’s act of uploading videos of his own unlawful activities to the social media platform Facebook—with the clear intent to instill fear among the people and establish a reign of terror—is unacceptable. The Jamaat leader said the state minister had violated his oath through such action, which could further encourage criminals.

State Minister for Liberation War Affairs and Dhaka-6 MP Ishraque Hossain has said he briefly raised his licensed firearm in “self-defence” during an anti-drug drive in the capital’s Gendaria area on Saturday after receiving warnings of possible “security threats”. In a statement issued on Sunday, Ishraque said he, along with his security personnel, got out of their vehicles and raised the weapon briefly when a group of 30 to 35 people allegedly approached their convoy aggressively near a suspected drug den. He claimed that law enforcement agencies and his own intelligence sources had warned him of possible security risks, including the possibility of drug traders firing at them from rooftops. “The weapon was raised for a very short time in self-defence to protect lives and property amid fears of an imminent attack,” the state minister said, adding that it was put away as soon as the potential threat had passed. He said the firearm was licensed by the competent authority and that it was displayed for self-defence within the legal framework. In a video, Ishraque was seen carrying a firearm while chasing several people during an anti-drug operation in Gendaria on Saturday. According to the statement, the drive was part of a coordinated social resistance initiative involving local residents, law enforcement agencies and political and social leaders to curb drug trading in Gendaria and surrounding areas. Ishraque said he had received complaints from residents about drug trading and the spread of drugs among students in areas, including Ghantighar, Munshitek and Koratitola, since taking office as the elected representative of Dhaka-6. He said the area had become a major transit point for drug syndicates after the 2024 mass uprising. Following a drug-related violent incident in June in which three people were reportedly shot, the state minister said he visited the area and held several coordination meetings with senior law enforcement officials. He said he had also sent a demi-official letter to the relevant police station seeking to address manpower shortages and establish a permanent police outpost near the suspected drug dens. “The proposal has yet to be implemented.” About the operation, Ishraque said Gendaria police were informed shortly after the team reached the area and that joint drives were subsequently conducted with police assistance. He claimed that four to five illegal makeshift drug dens were dismantled during the operation. Heroin, foreign liquor, drug-use paraphernalia, locally made sharp weapons, cash allegedly linked to drug sales and mobile phones suspected to have been snatched were seized, he said. Six alleged drug traders were detained and handed over to police along with the seized items, according to the statement. The state minister also criticised reports by several media outlets, accusing them of presenting the firearm incident without its broader context. He alleged that the reports focused on images of him holding a weapon while overlooking the operation and the reported seizures and arrests. Ishraque urged media outlets to verify information and publish reports with the full context. Reiterating the government’s “zero-tolerance” policy on drugs, he said eliminating drug dens and making Dhaka-6 free of drugs are among his major commitments to the public. The state minister said anti-drug operations will continue in the public interest.

Leaders and activists of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF) on Sunday paid tribute to BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at their graves, marking the foundation’s 27th founding anniversary. BNP acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi led them in paying tributes at the Zia Mausoleum in Zia Udyan in the city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area in the morning. After laying the tributes, they offered prayers and joined a munajat seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of Zia and Khaleda. Among those present were ZRF Executive Director Prof Dr Farhad Halim Donar, Director and Convener of the 27th Founding Anniversary Celebration Committee Prof Dr Morshed Hasan Khan, and Member Secretary of the celebration committee Prof Dr Sarkar Mahbub Ahmed Shamim.

BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir on Saturday said that the fascist regime led by ousted Sheikh Hasina that forcibly held on to state power acted as a local agent of cultural aggression in Bangladesh over the past 16–17 years. “Attempts have been made to make Bangladesh one-dimensional over the past 16-17 years. Cultural aggression was carried out quietly and gradually. In this process, the fascist regime that forcibly held on to state power played the role of a local agent,” he said. Rizvi made the remarks as the chief guest at a programme featuring a paper presentation, discussion and a gathering of Lalon songs organised on Saturday night to mark the 136th death anniversary of mystic bard Fakir Lalon Shah. Culture for Unity Bangladesh organised the event at Payra Chattar on the Dhaka University campus, near the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC). Rizvi said attempts at cultural aggression would continue in various forms, but Bangladesh's sovereignty and independence could be safeguarded by exploring, uncovering, practising and nurturing the cultural depth of its own people. He also alleged that the Awami League had practised “servitude to Delhi” in the name of upholding the spirit of independence over the past 17 years. Addressing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Rizvi questioned what she had given another country that the people of Bangladesh had no right to know about. “You say you are the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, an independent and sovereign country, and that what you have given will never be forgotten. But what have you given that the people of this country have no right to know about?” he said. He alleged that the previous government had sacrificed the country's interests to remain in power while repeatedly invoking the spirit of independence. Questioning the nature of those alleged concessions, he said, “What did you give? Was it gold, diamonds or jewels? Did you give the country's resources, soil or land? What was it that the people of the country had no right to know about?” He questioned why newspapers, intellectuals and cultural figures in Bangladesh had not raised their voices in protest at the time. Prominent contemporary performers, including Shafi Mondal, Dolly Mondal, Akash Gayan, Shanta Islam and Abu Rashed, were scheduled to perform at the event. Among those present were Bangladesh Television Director General Kazi Jesin, Dhaka University Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Dr Abdus Salam, Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir and Culture for Unity Bangladesh Convener Rashed Khan.

The government has ensured foolproof security for Durga Puja across the country, BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-3 MP Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said on Saturday. “This year, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, Sharadiya Durga Puja, is being celebrated across the country in a festive atmosphere,” he said. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting Durga Puja mandaps and exchanging greetings with members of the Hindu community in Keraniganj, Dhaka. Gayeshwar said no untoward incident had occurred till today during this year’s celebrations. “BNP leaders and activists at all levels are working to guard the puja mandaps. As a result, no disorder has occurred. This is a message of communal harmony,” he said. He added that people from other religious communities are also joining the celebrations alongside members of the Hindu community.

Liberation War Affairs State Minister and Dhaka-6 MP Ishraque Hossain conducted a surprise raid on a suspected drug den in a slum beside the railway tracks in Ward No. 45 under Gandaria Police Station in Dhaka-6 on Saturday. Six people were detained on suspicion of involvement in drug trading. Ishraque has announced that anti-drug drives will continue until his constituency is free of drugs, warning that drug traders will not be spared regardless of their political affiliation. He said punishment would be even harsher if anyone from his own party was found involved in drug trading. Addressing local residents during the drive, Ishraque said, “Those who sell drugs in this area have no place in my Dhaka-6 constituency. We brought down the government through a movement against the authoritarian regime. Do these drug traders have any time left? No matter how influential a drug trader is or which party they belong to, if they are from my party, their punishment will be even harsher.” Highlighting the damage caused by drug addiction to young people, the state minister said, “Our youth are being destroyed because of drugs. For the past six months, I have been collecting information through intelligence sources. I will hold in high regard those who can help apprehend the people who come from outside to supply drugs.” He said the anti-drug campaign had begun in his constituency and would spread across the country, adding that there would be no place for drugs anywhere in Bangladesh. When the detained individuals pleaded with folded hands to be released, Ishraque sought to reassure them. “No one will lay a hand on you, and no one will harm you. You will go to the police station, and the police will take the necessary action. We have not come here to beat you. This country will be governed by law. You will face trial, and you will be punished through the judicial process,” he said. Ishraque has previously conducted anti-drug drives in different areas of Dhaka-6. He has sought the cooperation of local residents while pledging to continue the campaign to make the constituency drug-free. Contacted on the matter, Gandaria Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Moniruzzaman Monir said Ishraque had detained six people and called the police station. Police personnel later went to the spot and brought them to the station. The OC said a white powder-like substance had been found in the possession of the detainees. Tests would be needed to confirm whether the substance was heroin.

BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday accused opposition parties of staging fresh political dramas in the streets to conceal their internal conflicts and failures, saying they were trying to mislead people instead of playing a constructive role amid the country's various challenges. “Whenever you open a newspaper, you see the opposition parties only talking about what is lacking and what has ended. They have no concern for the country's development or people's welfare,” he said. He made the remarks as the chief guest at a protest rally held in front of the National Press Club in the noon. The Jatiyatabadi Textile Engineers Association of Bangladesh (JTEB) organised the rally to protest what it described as planned anarchy and conspiracies by the Awami League across the country. Rizvi said opposition parties are looking for new excuses to take to the streets and arranging various programmes to cover up their internal divisions. He said opposition parties had previously organised long marches and were planning further programmes on issues including the July Charter, while different parties in their alliances continued making various statements. The BNP leader also referred to criticism of the government's social protection programmes, including the Family Card, Farmer Card, Expatriate Card and Health Card. “You may criticise the government, but speak the truth and make reasonable arguments. If you try to mislead people with falsehoods, they will never believe you,” he said. Rizvi accused opposition parties of focusing on finding faults and organising political programmes instead of recognising these initiatives. He said people are increasingly questioning whether such activities were intended to conceal internal conflicts within opposition parties that had become visible in different places. Rizvi said the government is working day and night to keep supplies as normal as possible despite the crisis. He said Bangladesh imported fertiliser from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), adding that a UAE fertiliser shipment had already arrived at Mongla port. He said the fertiliser shortage, which had been anticipated and had affected supplies to some extent, is now being addressed through the government's efforts. He said another fertiliser shipment from Saudi Arabia was being prepared and was expected to arrive within a few days. With the winter growing season approaching, he said, fertiliser was essential for cultivating potatoes, tomatoes, cabbages and cauliflowers. The government had made preparations to ensure supplies for the season, he said, adding that fertiliser imports from the UAE, including Dubai, and Saudi Arabia were part of those efforts. Rizvi said a people-oriented government should formulate policies by considering the suffering and hardships of ordinary citizens. Rizvi also referred to remarks by an Indian minister who reportedly said that a conspiracy was underway to overthrow the government in India, similar to the way the government in Bangladesh had been removed. He said Bangladesh had the right to respond when comments about political developments in another country referred to events in Bangladesh. Rizvi said mass movements emerged when rulers governed unjustly or illegally, adding that the circumstances surrounding the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government should be understood in that context. Referring to the reported remarks by an Indian minister that a conspiracy is underway to topple the Indian government, similar to the ouster of the government in Bangladesh, Rizvi said Bangladesh had the right to respond when it was referred to in such comments. “Whatever is happening in a neighbouring country is not something we need to comment on. But when Bangladesh is referred to, we have the right to speak,” he said. Addressing the Indian minister, Rizvi said mass movements, popular awakenings and uprisings could emerge when a country was governed unjustly and unlawfully, forcing rulers accused of wrongdoing to flee. He said Sheikh Hasina had not been a legitimate ruler, alleging that she had repeatedly remained in power by undermining elections and denying people their voting rights. “Ultimately, she was forced to flee in the face of a massive uprising by students and the public,” Rizvi said, adding that this was the fate of rulers who committed crimes and acted against the interests of the people.