Ishraque Hossain, who announced his resignation as State Minister for Liberation War Affairs, has expressed his willingness to contest the next Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) mayoral election if his party nominates him.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Monday, October 19, Ishraque said he would be ready to run for mayor if the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) considers him a suitable candidate and grants him the nomination.
His remarks came shortly after he announced his decision to step down from the cabinet. He said he wanted to avoid causing embarrassment to his party and intended to focus on addressing drug-related problems and other local issues in Dhaka-6 and surrounding areas.
Ishraque also said he had discussed his resignation with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who agreed to his request to leave the ministerial position.
The resignation follows controversy surrounding a recent anti-drug operation in Dhaka’s Gandaria area, where videos circulated on social media showing Ishraque carrying a firearm. The incident sparked public criticism and prompted questions about the conduct of a serving government minister during law enforcement operations.
Despite leaving his ministerial role, Ishraque said he would continue his anti-drug campaign as a BNP activist. He maintained that his focus would remain on tackling drug-related activities and addressing concerns raised by residents in his constituency.
His statement about a possible mayoral candidacy adds a new political dimension to his decision to leave the cabinet, although any bid for the DSCC mayoral post would depend on his party’s nomination.
Reporting by Borderless for The Borderless Journal. Filed under Uncategorized · 19 Oct 2026, 22:15.
