Ishraque Aims to Build an Anti-Drug Organisation

Former State Minister for Liberation War Affairs and former Member of Parliament, Ishraque Hossain, who recently resigned from his post, has initiated an effort to build a community-based social resistance movement to eradicate drugs from the Dhaka-6 constituency. Alongside drug eradication, he aims to tackle theft, robbery, mugging, and extortion. To execute these efforts, he announced that operations will be conducted in coordination with the local administration and police stations.

Mr. Ishraque shared this plan on Wednesday, October 21, through a post on his verified Facebook page. He stated that in a densely populated area like Dhaka-6, eradicating drugs is impossible without involving residents. For this purpose, an organisation will be formed involving community members, which will work in mutual cooperation with local authorities.

He added that alongside anti-drug initiatives, measures will be taken to prevent theft, robbery, mugging, and extortion, with every step carried out in alignment with the local police. In his post, Mr. Ishraque criticised certain media outlets, alleging that attempts might be made to derail his initiative. However, he expressed firm resolve, stating that neither criminal syndicates nor media opposition would be able to stop him. He also shared plans to build a new-era media platform led by pro-Bangladesh, talented, and patriotic youth.

Earlier on Monday, October 19, Mr. Ishraque voluntarily announced his resignation from the post of State Minister at a press conference held at the National Press Club. He mentioned his desire to dedicate himself to eliminating drugs and addressing other civic issues in Dhaka-6 and adjacent areas, adding that PM Tarique Rahman approved his decision. The following day, Tuesday, a notification was officially issued accepting his resignation.

This initiative follows a recent anti-drug raid in the capital’s Gendaria area. On Saturday, October 17, a video of the raid at Ghuntighar near the railway track was published on his Facebook page, sparking widespread discussion and criticism after he was seen holding a firearm in the footage.