Ishraque mulls social body against drugs

Former State Minister for Liberation War Affairs and Dhaka-6 MP Ishraque Hossain has announced plans to form a new social organisation to build a community-based resistance against drugs, involving local residents and coordinating with police and the local administration.

In a Facebook post published on his verified page at around 11:00 am on Wednesday, Ishraque said he wanted to establish the organisation with the participation of ordinary people in his constituency.

He said the organisation would work in cooperation with the local administration while also seeking support from the authorities to strengthen its anti-drug activities.

Given the extremely high population density of Dhaka-6, Ishraque said, no single agency could eliminate drugs from the area without active public participation.

Alongside combating drug abuse and trafficking, the proposed organisation would also work to prevent theft, robbery, mugging and extortion, he said. The initiative would coordinate its activities with the local police station and other relevant authorities.

In his post, Ishraque alleged that some media outlets and individuals involved in criminal activities might attempt to obstruct their efforts. However, he expressed his determination to continue the initiative despite potential obstacles.

He also mentioned plans to establish a new kind of media platform involving patriotic, talented and pro-Bangladesh young people.

Ishraque resigned as state minister for Liberation War Affairs on Monday, October 19. Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club, he said he had voluntarily sought release from his ministerial responsibilities and that the prime minister had agreed to his request.

His latest announcement comes days after he participated in an anti-drug operation at a slum beside a railway line in the capital's Gandaria area.

During the operation, Ishraque was seen brandishing a firearm. A video of the operation, posted on his Facebook account, subsequently circulated widely on social media, triggering discussion and criticism.