Dhaka, Oct. 19 -- Ishraque Hossain, who has announced his resignation as state minister for Liberation War affairs, has said he is fully prepared to contest a mayoral election if the Bangladesh Nationalist Party decides to nominate him.

The Dhaka-6 MP faced questions about whether he would now seek the city mayor's post after announcing his resignation amid controversy over his participation in an "anti-drug" drive while carrying a firearm.

Ishraque announced his decision to step down at a press conference at the National Press Club on Monday afternoon, accompanied by several hundred party activists.

He said he had decided to resign to prevent the controversy over the armed anti-drug drive from embarrassing his party.

However, he main...