Police probing whether Ishraque violated law by displaying gun during anti-drug drive

Fresh debate has arisen over State Minister for Liberation War Affairs and Dhaka-6 MP Ishraque Hossain after he was seen holding a pistol during an anti-drug operation. The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police is examining whether any law was violated in displaying a weapon during the raid. Police have said that if the inquiry finds any breach of law, legal action will be taken against those concerned.

DB Additional Police Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam said this in reply to journalists' questions at a press conference at the DMP Media Centre on Sunday (October 18).

He said it is not yet time to make a final comment on the incident. The deputy commissioner (DC) concerned will review the entire matter and submit a report, and if any violation of law emerges from it, the DMP will take the necessary legal action.

Asked whether a minister can perform duties like a police officer during an operation, the DB chief declined to comment directly.

Two issues have mainly come to the fore: the role of an elected representative in an operation, and whether the prevailing laws and rules on carrying and displaying firearms were properly followed. However, the press conference provided no detailed information on Ishraque Hossain's permission to carry a weapon, his specific role in the operation, or the circumstances in which the weapon was displayed.

For this reason, the report from the officer concerned is being seen as important in assessing the matter. According to police, any irregularity or breach of law identified in the review will form the basis of the next steps.

So far, police have not said that any legal irregularity has been proven in the incident. Therefore, until the results of the inquiry or review are made public, the allegation of a law violation against Ishraque Hossain cannot be treated as established fact.