Jamaat ameer backs Ishraque's anti-drug drive but says carrying gun was inappropriate
Jamaat chief says the former state minister’s actions should not be criticised, but publicly carrying a firearm could set a dangerous precedent.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has defended former state minister for liberation war affairs Ishraque Hossain's anti-drug operation, saying there is no reason to criticise his efforts, although carrying a firearm in public was inappropriate for an elected representative.
He made the remarks in response to questions from journalists after a former members' conference of the student Islamic movement, organised by Jamaat's Chattogram city unit at GEC Convention Centre today (20 October).
Referring to Ishraque's departure from the cabinet, the Jamaat chief said, "Look, this was a party decision. It was later said that the prime minister wanted it, and that is why he resigned."
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On Ishraque's anti-drug operation, he said drugs were destroying society and there was no reason to view the former state minister's actions negatively.
"He said the police and forces were present there. It would have been better if he had not had the firearm in his hand. That is all. There is no reason for anyone to speak negatively about his work," he said.
However, Shafiqur Rahman said it was inappropriate for a public representative or state minister to carry a firearm openly or point it at someone in broad daylight, even with good intentions.
"He may have acted with good intentions. But there is no shortage of people in this society who could use it with bad intentions. They could use this as a precedent," he said, adding that this was the concern from a civic perspective.
Reaffirming his party's position against drugs, the Jamaat ameer said, "We want to eliminate drugs. A law has been passed in parliament to control drugs. We do not just want control; we want elimination."
Ishraque Hossain carried out an anti-drug operation with a firearm in his hand in the capital's Gandaria area on 17 October.
After a video of the operation spread on social media, it sparked debate and criticism. The footage showed Ishraque getting out of a vehicle with a handheld microphone in one hand and a pistol in the other before chasing a group of people.
The incident reportedly caused discomfort and dissatisfaction within the BNP and the government. The following day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reportedly directed Ishraque to leave the cabinet.
