State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain on Monday announced his resignation, saying he wants to prevent the controversy over an anti-drug drive from overshadowing the government’s activities or embarrassing his party, the BNP.

“I have voluntarily sought release from my responsibilities as State Minister for Liberation War Affairs from the honourable Prime Minister from today,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has agreed to his decision.

He made the announcement at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club this afternoon.

Ishraque, the BNP MP of Dhaka-6 constituency, said he wanted to devote his time to making his constituency drug-free and addressing other problems faced by its residents.

The controversy erupted after a video circulated on social media showing him carrying a firearm during an anti-drug drive in Ghuntighar area alongside the railway line in Gandaria on Saturday.

Explaining his participation in the anti-drug drive, Ishraque said residents had repeatedly complained about drug trafficking in the area which he described as a major drug distribution hub.

He said several meetings with police and local leaders had failed to resolve the problem, prompting a decision to launch a coordinated campaign involving residents and law enforcers.

He claimed that around 25 to 30 people came out of the area and moved towards their vehicles when the team entered the spot.

“I held my legally licensed firearm for a short time for my personal safety, so that I could protect myself if any situation arose,” he said, adding that he put the weapon away after the situation was brought under control.

Ishraque said police were informed about the operation and later joined the drive.

He claimed that the team recovered schoolbags containing mobile phones believed to have been snatched, around 300 grams of heroin, several bottles of alcohol and locally made weapons from several buildings.

He also said police arrested six people and took them into custody along with the recovered items for legal proceedings.

Defending his actions, Ishraque said the operation was conducted in coordination with police and in line with decisions of the Dhaka-6 law and order committee.

“I firmly believe that I did nothing wrong that day. I held the firearm only for self-defence,” he said, expressing regret if his conduct or the operation had hurt anyone.

He said the campaign against drugs would continue with greater enthusiasm as a BNP activist rather than as a minister, urging people to provide information about drug hotspots.

“I have started this fight against drugs, and it will continue,” he said.

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.