State Minister for Liberation War Affairs and Dhaka-6 lawmaker Ishraq Hossain has vowed to continue anti-drug operations in his constituency until it is free of drugs, warning that no drug dealer will be spared regardless of political affiliation.
He made the remarks on Tuesday while conducting a surprise raid on a suspected drug den in a slum beside the railway line in Ward 45 under Gendaria Police Station, where six people were detained on suspicion of involvement in drug dealing.
Addressing local residents during the operation, Ishraq said drug dealers had no place in his constituency and warned that members of his own party would face even harsher punishment if found involved.
“We brought down an autocratic government through our movement. Do these drug dealers stand a chance? No matter how big a drug trader is in this area, regardless of their party — if they belong to my party, their punishment will be even greater,” he said.
Expressing concern over the impact of drug addiction on young people, the state minister said intelligence gathering had been underway for the past six months to identify those involved in the drug trade.
He said he would hold in the highest regard anyone who detained people coming from outside the area to supply drugs.
Ishraq said the anti-drug campaign had begun in his constituency but similar operations would be carried out across Bangladesh to eliminate drug dealing nationwide.
During the raid, the six detainees pleaded for their release, prompting Ishraq to assure them that they would not face physical harm and that legal procedures would be followed.
“No one will lay a hand on you. No one will do anything to you. You will go to the police station, where the police will take necessary legal measures,” he said.
“We have not come to beat you. This country will run according to the law, and punishment will be handed down through judicial trials.”
The state minister, who had previously conducted similar anti-drug operations in different parts of Dhaka-6, sought the cooperation of local residents in keeping the constituency free from drugs.
Gendaria Police Station Officer-in-Charge Moniruzzaman Monir confirmed that Ishraq had contacted the police after the six suspects were detained.
Police subsequently arrived at the scene and took the six into custody.
The officer said a white powder-like substance had been recovered from the detainees and would be tested to determine whether it was heroin.
