Ishraque issues statement on Gendaria drive; DB chief promises action

State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain, MP for Dhaka-6, issued a formal clarification regarding news reports and social media posts concerning his participation in an anti-drug drive and the display of a licensed firearm for self-defense near the Gendaria railway line area on Saturday (October 17).

In a statement on Sunday, the state minister said that short, edited videos, photocards, and partial headlines centering on a few seconds of a sensitive incident fail to reflect the complete context, causing planned confusion among the public regarding his role and intentions.

Addressing Local Complaints: Following his election as MP for Dhaka-6, Ishraque took initiative regarding recurring complaints from residents in Ghuntighar, Munsitek, and Karatitola about open drug trade affecting students and locals.

Official Interventions: After three innocent citizens were shot during drug-related violence in June, Ishraque inspected the area, held coordination meetings with senior law enforcement officers, and issued a semi-official (DO) letter to establish a permanent police outpost in the area.

Organizing Joint Community Drive: In response to public demand, he organized a joint social resistance campaign involving general citizens, local leaders, and police presence.

Pre-emptive Safety Measures: After receiving warnings from security agencies regarding potential sniper fire from drug dealers on rooftops, he carried his legally licensed personal firearm for self-defense.

Self-Defense Action: When 30 to 35 agitators rushed toward his motorcade near a drug den, Ishraque and his security personnel briefly raised their firearms to deter the mob, immediately lowering them once the threat was neutralized.

Joint Operation and Seizures: Ishraque immediately notified the Gendaria Police Station, conducting a joint raid with police present. The team demolished four to five illegal drug dens, seizing heroin, foreign liquor, sharp weapons, cash, and stolen mobile phones.

Handing over Suspects: Ishraque and his team detained six drug traders red-handed and handed them over to Gendaria police along with seized evidence.

Refuting Misleading Media Reports: Expressing deep concern over selective reporting by certain media outlets–Ishraque criticized sensationalist coverage that ignored the raid's success, police involvement, drug seizures, and arrests, reaffirming the government's zero-tolerance policy against drugs.

Meanwhile, police initiated an investigation into the use of firearms by State Minister Ishraque Hossain and his associates during the anti-drug drive near Gendaria railway station.

Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DB Chief) Shafiqul Islam announced the probe during a press conference at the DMP Media Center on Sunday. He confirmed that the Deputy Commissioner of the Wari Division was assigned to investigate the incident.

"If the investigation finds evidence of any violation of the law, action will be taken," Shafiqul Islam said in response to journalists' queries.

Gendaria Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Moniruzzaman Monir told reporters that State Minister Ishraque Hossain detained six individuals and called the police station. Officers subsequently arrived at the scene and took the suspects into custody.

The OC added that white powder-like substances were recovered from the detained individuals, and laboratory tests will confirm whether the material is heroin.