Ishraq Hossain Resigns as State Minister for Liberation War Affairs

Ishraq Hossain has announced his resignation as state minister for the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, saying he wants to continue his campaign against drugs without allowing the issue to overshadow the activities of the government.

He announced his decision at a press conference at the National Press Club on Monday.

“I am Ishraq Hossain, a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) member of parliament elected by the people from Dhaka-6. I took the oath of office on February 12. The prime minister appointed me state minister for the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, and I have been carrying out my responsibilities accordingly,” he said.

Hossain said reports about an issue had appeared in domestic and international media over the past two days, prompting him to hold the press conference to explain the matter in detail.

He said he had discussed the issue with the prime minister earlier in the day and informed her of his decision to step down.

“I told the prime minister that I want to resign. My anti-drug campaign will continue. I do not want anything involving me to overshadow your work or the activities of the government,” he said.

Earlier on Monday, Hossain announced in a post on his verified Facebook page that he would face journalists at the National Press Club at 2:00pm to make a final announcement regarding his resignation.

Despite stepping down from the ministerial post, Hossain vowed to intensify his campaign against drugs, saying he would work with even greater enthusiasm as a BNP activist rather than as a lawmaker or state minister.

“This time, not as a member of parliament or a state minister, but as a BNP activist, I will work against drugs with a hundred times more enthusiasm, InshaAllah,” he said.

He also pledged to strengthen cleanliness initiatives and visit different districts to expand the organisational strength of the Projonmo Dal nationwide.

“Not a minister, but the elimination of drugs! Eliminate drugs, eliminate drugs!” he declared.