I did not bow my head even before the Prime Minister: Ishraque

BanglaPress Desk: A video has circulated on social media showing Ishraque Hossain, Member of Parliament for the Dhaka-6 constituency, chasing several individuals while holding a pistol. According to a post on his Facebook page, the incident took place on the afternoon of October 17 near the Gendaria railway tracks.

In the video, he is seen stepping out of a vehicle—holding a handheld microphone in one hand and a pistol in the other—and chasing a group of people. He is observed pulling back the slide of the pistol to ready it for firing, pointing it toward the individuals, and shouting, "Hey, stop! Stop!" Another person, dressed in plain clothes, is also seen in the video chasing some individuals while carrying a weapon.

This incident involving Ishraque—who was serving as the State Minister for Liberation War Affairs—sparked discontent both within the BNP and the government. It is reported that the following day, Sunday, the Prime Minister instructed him to resign. A notification issued by the Cabinet Division on October 20 confirmed that the President had accepted Ishraque’s resignation.

Ishraque Hossain has spoken candidly about that incident and his future political plans. He recently sat down for an interview with *Jugantor* staff reporter Nure Alam Ziku.

Some political analysts suggest that if you are sidelined or weakened politically, groups like Jamaat and the NCP might benefit, and the Awami League could gain an advantage should they return to the political arena. How do you view this?

In response, Ishraque Hossain stated, "Look, analysts and experts offer such comments or analyses based on their own judgment and specialized knowledge. One cannot simply dismiss their views; they surely do not speak without some basis. However, I want to state unequivocally: any attempt to weaken me politically will never succeed. The Prime Minister is fully aware of all my activities and my political future. Despite having thousands of party members and activists, she has always regarded me with special affection and trust." Therefore, regardless of whether it comes from within or outside the party—no matter who attempts to weaken me or create obstacles—I am fully prepared, both politically and mentally, to confront such challenges.

Regarding major mistakes in his political career, he remarked that, as human beings, everyone is prone to minor errors. However, addressing the recent discourse surrounding a specific incident, he clarified that he had committed no wrongdoing whatsoever—a point he asserted firmly before the Prime Minister. He explained that his presence at the location was part of an initiative to eradicate drugs from the area. In an act of self-defense, he briefly displayed his licensed firearm, which was subsequently returned to a concealed, secure state. He maintained that he did not commit any wrong or error, even for a fleeting second, and affirmed that he would stand by this position for the rest of his life. He acknowledged, however, that unintentional errors might have occurred in the past due to specific circumstances or statements, as no one is infallible.

He further stated that he does not conduct his politics based on blind advice or the words of close associates. While he listens to various perspectives—adopting those he deems positive and strategically effective—the final decision always rests with him. This is because he bears the ultimate responsibility and consequences for any action taken, and he remains fully prepared to shoulder that burden. He has never been swayed by the malicious instigations or misguided counsel of others; every decision made during past movements and struggles was entirely his own.