Dhaka, Oct. 17 -- State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain has defended going into a Dhaka neighbourhood with a pistol on an "anti-drug drive", citing his accountability to the public and the need for "social resistance" against drugs.

The armed anti-drug drive unfolded near the railway tracks in Dhaka's Gendaria neighbourhood.

He says at least six law enforcers have been shot on earlier drives there, so he showed his firearm as a "precaution".

The episode set off debate on social media on Saturday, with many asking what would have happened had the state minister met resistance.

"Our government is elected by the people, and we are answerable to them. That is why we are not relying on the police alone," Ishraque said....