Ishraq Hossain, a member of parliament representing Dhaka-6 and state minister for liberation war affairs, has announced that he has sought voluntary release from his ministerial responsibilities after meeting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club on Monday, Ishraq said he had decided to step down to ensure that his activities did not overshadow the government’s work. He maintained that he had committed no wrongdoing in connection with his anti-drug campaign.

“I told the prime minister that I wanted to resign and that my anti-drug campaign would continue. I did not want the government’s activities to be overshadowed because of me,” Ishraq said.

He added that the prime minister had agreed to his request.

Ishraq said he intended to devote his time to addressing drug-related problems and other public concerns in Dhaka-6 and surrounding areas, with the possibility of expanding his work to additional areas in the future.

“I have sought voluntary release from my responsibilities as state minister for liberation war affairs, effective today,” he said at the press conference.

Ishraq also outlined his political background, identifying himself as a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) lawmaker elected by the people of Dhaka-6. He said he had taken his oath of office on October 12 and subsequently assumed the ministerial role assigned to him by the prime minister.

Reports of PM Ordering Resignation

The announcement followed media reports on Sunday night claiming that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had instructed Ishraq to resign.

Ishraq had dismissed those reports as rumours. On Monday morning, however, he announced through his verified Facebook page that he would hold a press conference at noon to declare his decision regarding his position in the cabinet.

He subsequently confirmed at the National Press Club that he had personally requested voluntary release from his ministerial duties.

Brief Disorder at Press Conference

The press conference was briefly disrupted when a large crowd of party activists entered the venue. According to the report, around 200 activists gathered inside the press conference room, creating some disorder.

After noticing the situation, Ishraq used the microphone to ask the activists to leave the room and remain outside. Many subsequently complied.

During the event, Ishraq reiterated that he would continue working to combat drugs and address other public concerns affecting residents of Dhaka-6 and nearby areas.

He said his decision to seek release from ministerial responsibilities was linked to his intention to focus on those issues.

His announcement came amid public discussion over reports that the prime minister had ordered him to step down. Ishraq’s account, however, was that the decision was his own and that the prime minister had agreed to his request.