The future of State Minister Ishraque remains uncertain following a controversial armed anti-drug operation conducted over the weekend that has drawn criticism from government officials and political figures. The incident, which took place near the Dayaganj Ghuntighar railway crossing close to Gandaria Railway Station in Dhaka, featured Ishraque personally participating in a raid while openly carrying a firearm.
Video footage published on Ishraque’s verified Facebook page showed him stepping out of a vehicle with a pistol and directing associates to detain several individuals. Two others in his party were also seen carrying firearms; during the operation, a member of the group threatened to shoot, and one bodyguard was recorded kicking a young man. The clips quickly went viral, prompting widespread questions about the legality and propriety of a cabinet minister engaging in such an operation while armed.
Under the home ministry’s Firearms Licence Issuance, Renewal and Use Policy 2025, license holders may carry firearms for self-defense but are prohibited from displaying them in a manner that causes fear or annoyance. The footage generated significant concern within government ranks and political circles, with several lawmakers and ministers expressing unease over the minister's conduct. Some officials cautioned that the incident could tarnish the government’s reputation domestically and internationally.
Prime Minister Tarique reportedly met with Ishraque at the Secretariat on Sunday afternoon to express strong dissatisfaction, reprimanding him for brandishing a weapon and instructing him to issue a public apology. However, there has been public confusion over whether Ishraque has been officially asked to resign. A news ticker briefly appeared on state broadcaster Bangladesh Television stating that the prime minister had ordered Ishraque’s resignation, only to be removed shortly afterward.
Ishraque has consistently denied calls for his resignation, describing such reports as "completely false" and "fabricated." In a statement posted on Facebook in the early hours of Monday, he emphasized that any ministerial resignation instructed by the prime minister would become effective immediately and be formally communicated through an official press conference. His press officer similarly dismissed media claims about his resignation as baseless, warning of potential legal action against those spreading misinformation.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has launched an inquiry into the incident. Detective Branch Chief Shafiqul Islam confirmed the Wari Division’s deputy commissioner had been tasked with conducting an investigation and submitting a report.
Opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami condemned Ishraque’s actions, describing the display of firearms by a minister as unlawful and a form of intimidation. The party called for decisive measures against those responsible, warning that such conduct undermines the rule of law and may embolden criminal elements.
The constitutional process allows the prime minister to request a minister’s resignation at any time; if a minister refuses, the prime minister may advise the president to terminate the appointment. No official announcement has yet been made concerning Ishraque’s status in the cabinet as deliberations continue within the government.