State Minister Ishraque Hossain’s decision to resign -- following public outrage over footage of him brandishing a firearm during an anti-drug operation -- is an important development. However, his resignation must not be allowed to end the dialogue about his conduct or the responsibilities of elected representatives.
Let us be clear: Ishraque's actions were not part of a minister’s role, and under no circumstances can they be misconstrued as valid or acceptable.
Ministers are entrusted with political leadership and the responsibility of ensuring that state institutions function effectively. An elected government must strengthen relevant agencies, provide them with adequate resources, ensure that they can perform their duties without political interference, as well as hold them accountable if they fail to do so.
It must be understood: We have not elected MPs to take the law into their own hands, nor should the public be encouraged to view such conduct as a heroic demonstration of strength.
Allowing elected officials to assume law enforcement roles risks undermining established procedures, weakening institutional authority, and setting a dangerous precedent. The rule of law cannot depend on who holds a weapon or occupies a position of power.
Drug trafficking is most certainly a serious problem that demands sustained action. However, an effective anti-drug campaign must be conducted through lawful procedures, professional investigations, and accountable enforcement.
No individual, regardless of political position or stated intentions, should be exempt from these standards.
Ishraque’s resignation must also not be taken as a substitute for accountability. The circumstances surrounding the incident must be examined, and any violation must be addressed through due process.
Such conduct cannot be praised as decisive leadership or ignored because its stated objective is an important one.
Strong institutions, not individual displays of power, are what protect the public and build trust in the state. The government must demonstrate that elected representatives are expected to uphold the law, not bypass it.
