Minister Draws Firearm During Anti-Drug Operation, Video Sparks Debate
A recent video showing State Minister Ishraque Hossain displaying a firearm during an anti-drug operation has created widespread discussion. The incident happened on Saturday afternoon in the Dayaganj Ghuntighar rail-gate area, near Gendaria Railway Station in Dhaka. The minister’s actions have led to questions about legal firearm use and the role of law enforcement.
The video, which went viral after being posted on the minister’s Facebook page, showed Mr. Hossain getting out of a vehicle. He was holding a pistol and shouted, “Catch them!” Other people with him, including his bodyguards, then ran towards several individuals. One bodyguard was seen kicking a man.
The video also showed other people with the minister carrying firearms. The minister later confirmed that the detained individuals were handed over to the police. The video from Ishraque Hossain’s page was titled, “Ishraque in action: Drug den demolished, dealers handed over to police.” It has since been removed from his page.
State Minister Ishraque Hossain said his firearm was legally owned. He stated he bought it on December 11, 2025. However, his election papers, submitted on December 28, 2025, did not mention him owning a firearm. He explained there was no chance to declare it then.
The minister said he acted because local residents had complained many times about drug activities. He claimed he informed the police, but no action was taken. Mr. Hossain added that police told him they lacked staff and vehicles. He also mentioned that drug dealers had previously shot at police officers in that area.
The Home Ministry’s 2025 policy states that firearms should not be shown in a way that causes fear or annoyance. The video clearly shows the state minister pointing his firearm. Children were also present at the scene.
Moniruzzaman, the officer-in-charge of Gendaria police station, said police conducted a large operation on October 11. He said they stay in regular contact with State Minister Ishraque Hossain.
Sharif Bhuiyan, a senior Supreme Court lawyer, called the minister’s display of a firearm illegal. He stated that ministers should give instructions, and the police should take action. He questioned why a minister needs to conduct such operations with a firearm if the police are doing their job.
