Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said that Ishraq Hossain’s resignation as State Minister for Liberation War Affairs was a matter of his party’s decision. He later remarked, “Ishraq resigned because the prime minister wanted him to.”

Dr Shafiqur Rahman made the comments in response to questions from journalists during his visit to Chattogram on Tuesday (October 20).

Commenting on Ishraq Hossain carrying a firearm during an anti-drug operation, the Jamaat chief said drugs were destroying society. Under the circumstances, Ishraq had done what he needed to do, he said, adding that police and members of other law enforcement agencies were also present during the operation. However, he said it would have been better if Ishraq had not carried a firearm.

Dr Shafiqur Rahman said Ishraq’s actions could not be dismissed outright as negative. However, if an elected representative or state minister carries a firearm in broad daylight or points a weapon at someone, others may interpret the act as an example of the misuse of weapons, even if the person’s intentions are good.

He said a good intention did not automatically make every method acceptable. Such matters should also be considered from the perspective of responsible civic conduct, he added.

Outlining Jamaat’s position on eliminating drugs, the opposition leader said Parliament had passed a drug control law. However, his party’s goal was not limited to controlling drugs; it wanted to eliminate them altogether. He stressed the need for practical and effective measures alongside legislation to prevent the spread of drugs.

Jamaat Holds Conference of Former Associates and Members in Chattogram

Earlier on Tuesday, a conference of former associates and members organised by the Chattogram Metropolitan unit of Jamaat-e-Islami began at 11:25 am at the GEC Convention Hall in Khulshi. The conference continued until 1:15 pm. Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Jamaat Ameer and Leader of the Opposition, attended as the chief guest.

Among those attending were Jamaat Assistant Secretary-General and Chattogram Regional Director Muhammad Shahjahan, Central Working Committee member and Member of Parliament Shahjahan Chowdhury, Chattogram Metropolitan Jamaat Ameer Muhammad Nazrul Islam, and its Secretary, Principal Muhammad Nurul Amin. Approximately 2,000 to 2,500 party leaders and activists participated in the event.

Addressing the conference, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said members and associates of Islami Chhatra Shibir and Jamaat-e-Islami should continue working for their organisations throughout their lives.

He said the July 2024 mass uprising had initiated a process of change, but that change had yet to receive proper recognition. He also recalled that Jamaat leaders and activists had faced oppression, persecution and false cases in the past.

The Jamaat Ameer said his party had accepted the outcome of the recent election in the greater interest of the country despite its dissatisfaction with the results. However, he added, this did not mean that the same situation would necessarily be accepted in the future.

Rejecting allegations that the party sold tickets to heaven, Dr Shafiqur Rahman said his party showed people the path to attaining paradise.

After the conference, the Jamaat Ameer went to Hotel Peninsula in the city’s Chawkbazar area at 1:20 pm. Following lunch and a rest, he was scheduled to meet Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) leaders before leaving Chattogram for Dhaka at 4:35 pm.