Minister Ishraque Hossain defends carrying firearm during Dhaka drug raid

Bangladesh State Minister for Liberation War Affairs, Ishraque Hossain, has defended his decision to carry a firearm during an anti-narcotics operation in a Dhaka slum. The incident, which took place near Gandaria Railway Station, was captured in a video posted to the minister’s Facebook page, sparking widespread social media debate.

Hossain stated that the operation was a coordinated social resistance initiative involving local residents, politicians, and community leaders aimed at addressing drug dealing in the area. He explained that he carried the pistol for self-defence following reports that the region had become a transit point for drug syndicates.

While the minister’s footage showed him with a megaphone and a handgun, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police noted they had not been informed of the raid in advance. The operation resulted in the detention of six individuals, who were subsequently handed over to local police.