Resigning as state minister so that the party is not embarrassed: Ishraque

Amid controversy over going on an “anti-drug drive” with a firearm in hand, Ishraque Hossain has announced his resignation as state minister for Liberation War affairs to avoid embarrassing the BNP after speaking with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Ishraque, the eldest son of Sadeque Hossain Khoka, the last mayor of the undivided Dhaka City Corporation, made the announcement at a press conference at the National Press Club on Monday afternoon while accompanied by several hundred leaders and activists.

He said that he had gone to coordinate the anti-drug campaign as a public representative, and carried a licensed firearm in his hand for his own safety. He claimed the images were then picked up by the mainstream media used to push an agenda.

“I am disappointed in the role of the media, why was I targeted like this?" Ishraque said.

He claimed that, in the face of backlash that had arisen after that incident, he himself went to the prime minister and told him that he wanted to resign so that the party would not be embarrassed and the premieres work would not be hindered.

Ishraque, who announced that he would continue the anti-drug campaign despite leaving the government, said: "I have asked the prime minister to relieve me of my duties as a state minister. I have asked for permission to work on eradicating drugs. He has given me the opportunity."