Ishraque Hossain has officially stepped down from his role as the State Minister for Liberation War Affairs. During a press conference held at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Monday, he announced his resignation while simultaneously addressing the controversy surrounding his participation in a recent anti-narcotics operation.
Addressing the media, Ishraque defended his conduct during the operation, which had drawn significant public and political scrutiny. 'If I made any mistake or caused hurt to anyone through my actions during that operation, I sincerely apologize,' he stated. 'However, I firmly believe that I did nothing wrong. I held the firearm only for the duration necessary for self-defense. Once that necessity passed, the weapon was no longer in my possession.'
Regarding the reasons behind his resignation, Ishraque explained that he had personally requested the Prime Minister to relieve him of his ministerial duties. He expressed a desire to focus his efforts on grassroots work, specifically targeting drug eradication in the Dhaka-6 constituency and surrounding areas. 'I told the Prime Minister that I want to work on the ground to eliminate drugs and address other public issues. He kindly agreed and granted me the opportunity to focus on these areas,' he added.
The press conference was marked by a significant turnout of his supporters, who gathered at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club around 1:45 PM. The event, which began at 2:00 PM, saw supporters chanting slogans in his favor, highlighting his continued influence among his political base.
This resignation marks a significant shift in Ishraque's political career. By moving away from a formal ministerial position, he aims to dedicate his time to community-level activism. Political observers are closely watching how this transition will affect his influence in the capital's political landscape and whether his proposed anti-narcotics initiatives will yield tangible results in the coming months.
As he transitions out of the government, Ishraque remains committed to his stated goal of public service. His departure from the ministry is viewed by many as a strategic move to distance himself from the constraints of office while maintaining his political relevance through direct engagement with the public on critical social issues.
