State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain took a firearm and personally led an anti-drug operation in Dhaka on Saturday, saying police had failed to take effective action despite 30–40 meetings with him over drug trafficking in his constituency.
The unusual intervention near Dayaganj Ghuntighar railway crossing in Gendaria has sparked controversy after a video showed the state minister holding a pistol, armed bodyguards chasing suspected drug dealers and one security guard kicking a detained man.
The footage, posted on Ishraque’s Facebook page before being removed, also captured someone threatening to shoot, although the speaker’s identity could not be established.
The operation took place between 3pm and 3:30pm near Gendaria railway station, according to Pavel Shikdar, former convener of Dhaka Metropolitan South Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal.
In the video, Ishraque is seen stepping out of his vehicle with a firearm and shouting, “Catch them, catch them, catch them!”
Several men are subsequently detained. One is heard pleading, “Sir, I haven’t done anything! I am a poor man, sir.”
The detained individuals were later handed over to police.
‘Police failed despite 30–40 meetings’
Speaking to media, Ishraque said residents of his Dhaka-6 constituency had repeatedly complained about drug trafficking in the area.
He claimed police had failed to respond effectively despite numerous discussions.
“I have held at least 30 to 40 meetings with them,” he said, adding that officers frequently cited shortages of personnel and vehicles.
The state minister said he had therefore decided to intervene personally.
He claimed drug dealers sometimes opened fire during operations and that several police officers had previously suffered gunshot injuries.
Explaining why he carried a pistol, Ishraque said the weapon was legally licensed and intended for his protection.
“I did not fire any shots, nor did I use the weapon to threaten anyone,” he said.
However, the video shows him holding the firearm in the presence of civilians, including children.
Police dispute claims of inaction
Gendaria Police Station Officer-in-Charge Moniruzzaman disputed the suggestion that police had failed to act.
He said a major anti-drug operation involving around 300 police personnel, including members of the Detective Branch and Special Response Battalion, had been conducted on October 11.
The OC said police maintained regular communication with Ishraque and informed him about their operations and results.
The incident has also raised questions about the state minister’s use of a firearm.
Under the Home Ministry’s 2025 firearms policy, licensed weapons may be carried for self-defence but must not be displayed in a manner that causes fear or annoyance to others.
Ishraque said he obtained his firearm after the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi in December 2025.
The video also shows armed security personnel accompanying Ishraque, with one bodyguard kicking a suspect.
