, Oct. 19 -- State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain on Monday announced his resignation, saying he wants to prevent the controversy over an anti-drug drive from overshadowing the government's activities or embarrassing his party, the BNP.

"I have voluntarily sought release from my responsibilities as State Minister for Liberation War Affairs from the honourable Prime Minister from today," he said, adding that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has agreed to his decision.

He made the announcement at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club this afternoon.

Ishraque, the BNP MP of Dhaka-6 constituency, said he wanted to devote his time to making his constituency drug-free and addressing other problems faced by its reside...