Speaker praises Ishraque’s anti-drug drive, questions gun use

 
The Speaker of Parliament, Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, has praised former State Minister Ishraq Hossain’s initiative to combat drugs and criminal activities but said carrying a firearm during an operation was inappropriate for someone holding a ministerial post.

“His initiative to combat drugs and criminal elements was positive. However, it was not appropriate for him to take up arms himself,” the Speaker said.

He made the remarks at a civic reception organised by the Lalmohan upazila unit of the BNP and its affiliated organisations in Bhola on Tuesday afternoon.

Hafiz Uddin said Ishraq had gone to confront a group of drug users who had allegedly opened fire on police. However, the state minister had bodyguards and police personnel with him and could have sought their assistance, he said.

“It is not appropriate for a minister or a state minister to carry any kind of weapon, whether legal or illegal,” he added.

The Speaker said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had instructed Ishraq to resign. Ishraq announced his resignation on Monday following criticism over a video showing him carrying a firearm during an anti-drug operation in Dhaka’s Gendaria area.

Hafiz Uddin said the public might nevertheless appreciate Ishraq’s efforts to fight drugs and criminal activities in the future.

Addressing BNP leaders and activists, the Speaker urged ruling party members to correct their conduct and remain accountable for their actions.

He also referred to a case involving a female lawmaker accused of attempting to take over a hospital, saying the Prime Minister had directed her to resign as well.

The Speaker said the government had taken strict action against its own leaders over alleged wrongdoing, adding that such measures were necessary to maintain law and order. He said the Prime Minister was taking a firm stance against injustice and misconduct.

Hafiz Uddin said the people had secured an elected government after 17 to 18 years of misrule. He urged BNP leaders and activists to cooperate with the police and administration to ensure public welfare.

“The objective of this government is to ensure the welfare of the people,” he said, adding that he would always stand by the people as their elected representative.