Ishraque Hossain today announced his voluntary resignation as state minister for Liberation War Affairs.He made the announcement at a press briefing at the Jatiya Press Club around 2:30pm.His resignation follows widespread public outrage over viral footage showing him brandishing a firearm during an “anti-drug” operation.

The controversy began when videos posted on Ishraque’s verified Facebook page showed him stepping out of a vehicle with a pistol and directing his associates to apprehend several people near the Dayaganj Ghuntighar railway crossing, close to Gandaria Railway Station.Members of his entourage were also seen carrying weapons. One of them was heard threatening to shoot, while a bodyguard was seen kicking a young man.

The incident sparked an immediate backlash and raised questions about ministerial conduct and firearm regulations, as existing rules prohibit licence holders from displaying weapons in a manner that causes fear or annoyance.