The resignation letter of state minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain has been accepted, according to a gazette notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Tuesday.
The gazette noted that the president accepted his resignation after it was submitted in line with standard procedures.
Ishraque, a BNP leader and lawmaker for the Dhaka-6 constituency, announced his resignation at a press conference at the National Press Club in the capital at around 2:30 pm on Monday.
The resignation followed widespread discussion and criticism after video footage circulated on social media showing him carrying a weapon during an anti-drug drive in Gendaria, within his constituency, on Saturday afternoon.
His actions generated dissatisfaction within both the BNP and the government during his tenure as state minister for liberation war affairs. On Sunday, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed him to resign, according to multiple government sources.
Although Ishraque Hossain initially denied reports of the directive, issued a protest, and threatened legal action, he later announced his decision to step down at Monday’s press conference.
High-level sources at the Cabinet Division confirmed receiving his resignation letter on Monday evening.
Ishraque had been serving alongside Ahmed Azam Khan, minister for liberation war affairs. With his resignation, the cabinet currently comprises 26 full ministers alongside the prime minister, while the number of state ministers has decreased from 24 to 23.
