Ishraque calls resignation order a 'rumor'

State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain has termed as ‘rumour’ the media reports that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed him to resign from the Cabinet after he faced controversy for taking part in an anti-drug drive with arms.

Ishraque said on Sunday night (October 18), “I urge everyone not to pay heed to rumours. I request all to treat this matter as a rumour. There is no truth to it so far. If we take any such decision from the party, you will be informed.”

Earlier media reports said that after the Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat on Sunday afternoon Prime Minister Tarique Rahman summoned Ishraque and directed him to resign. No formal statement from any responsible government official has been available on this matter.

Dhaka-6 MP Ishraq Hossain took part in an anti-drug drive holding firearms in Gandaria of the capital on Saturday (October 17). Criticism started after a video of him holding arms spread on social media. Unease was also created in BNP and government-related circles, according to various media reports.

The drive was conducted near Dayaganj Guntighar railway gate adjacent to Gandaria railway station on Saturday afternoon. In a video posted on Ishraq’s Facebook page he is seen getting down from a car, raising a firearm and shouting. Persons accompanying him were also seen holding arms. The video also shows a youth being kicked by a bodyguard.

Ishraque claimed he raised the arms for his and others’ security fearing possible attack while participating in an anti-drug social resistance programme. He said the arms is legal and licensed. In the drive four to five temporary drug dens were demolished, drugs, arms, cash and snatched mobile phones were seized and six persons were arrested and handed over to police.

Questions have been raised whether prior coordination was made with police. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Wari Division Masud Rana told journalists on Saturday that the state minister did not inform police about the drive in advance and they came to know of it later. Ishraq also told the media that he asked police to come to the spot 10 minutes after reaching there.

Meanwhile Dhaka Metropolitan Police is investigating the incident of arms display. Detective Branch chief of DMP Shafiqul Islam said on Sunday that the Deputy Commissioner of Wari Division has been given the responsibility to investigate. Action will be taken against those concerned if evidence of law violation is found.