Bangla Press Desk: An investigation has been ordered into the participation of State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain and his associates in an anti-drug operation, during which they were seen carrying firearms. This was confirmed by Shafiqul Islam, chief of the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).
Responding to a question from a journalist during a press conference held at the DMP Media Centre on Sunday afternoon, Shafiqul Islam stated that the Deputy Commissioner of the DMP’s Wari Division has been tasked with conducting the investigation. Legal action will be taken if any violation of the law is uncovered during the probe.
The incident took place on Saturday afternoon near the Dayaganj railway crossing, adjacent to the capital’s Gandaria railway station. A video of the event was posted on Ishraq Hossain’s Facebook page, which immediately went viral, sparking widespread discussion and criticism. In another video, the individuals who had been detained are seen being handed over to the police.Upon arriving at the scene and stepping out of his vehicle, Ishraq brandished a firearm and shouted, "Catch them, catch them, catch them!" Someone beside him was heard saying, "I’ll shoot them dead." Meanwhile, the state minister’s bodyguards began chasing several individuals; one bodyguard was even seen kicking one of them.
In the video, the pistol held by State Minister Ishraq has been blurred; however, in certain parts of the footage, it remains unblurred, clearly revealing the weapon in his hand. Firearms were also visible in the hands of two other individuals accompanying the state minister.
Pavel Shikdar, the former convener of the Dhaka Metropolitan South unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), was present at the scene. He told *Prothom Alo* that they arrived there between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM yesterday. The state minister had gone to the location following repeated complaints from local residents. The police had also been notified, but they arrived late.The video posted on State Minister Ishraq’s Facebook page is titled, "Ishraq’s Action: Drug Den Demolished, Dealers Handed Over to Police." The incident is noted to have taken place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in the area adjacent to the Gandaria railway tracks.
In the video, the State Minister is seen stepping out of a vehicle holding a firearm, while those accompanying him move to apprehend several individuals present near the railway tracks. At one point, a young man is heard pleading, "Sir, I haven't done anything. I am a poor man, sir." The State Minister replies, "The police will arrive; we shall talk then."
Accompanying the State Minister were two of his personal bodyguards, Tofazzal Hossain and Lavlu, as well as an official government bodyguard. The personal bodyguards were also armed, and the government bodyguard is seen pointing his weapon. At one stage, one of the bodyguards kicks a young man. When asked to identify the person who delivered the kick, Chhatra Dal leader Pavel Shikdar stated that it was the State Minister’s government bodyguard.
The State Minister’s operation, conducted while he was armed, has raised several questions. Many are asking whether the weapon he carried was legal. Furthermore, even if it were legal, is it appropriate for a State Minister to brandish a weapon while conducting an anti-drug operation? If ministers and state ministers are to carry out such operations themselves, what, then, is the role of the police?
When contacted last night, State Minister Ishraq told *Prothom Alo* that the weapon he carried was legal. When asked why he did not disclose the possession of this firearm in the affidavit submitted to the returning officer during the election, he explained that he had acquired the weapon after the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi on December 12, 2025—at which point there was no longer an opportunity to include it in the affidavit.
Clause 25 of the 2025 policy issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs outlines the conditions for carrying and using legally owned firearms. Sub-clause (a) of this section states that a legal firearm may be carried or used for the purpose of self-defense. However, the weapon must not be displayed in a manner that causes fear or annoyance to others.
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