Lawmaker shrugging off rule of law?

One of the most serious concerns we often raise is drug addiction and the illegal drug trade, which is not only ruining lives of countless young people but also threatening the future of our whole nation. Therefore, it is usual that we would like to applaud any anti-drug operation conducted to crackdown on drug traders and their networks in this circumstance. But, ironically, we  are rather frustrated at the recent anti-drug operation which Ishraque Hossain has conducted to demolish drug dens and crack down on drug traders in his constituency. It is not because he has done anything wrong, but because he has done the right thing in a wrong manner. According to a report published in an English daily yesterday, a video uploaded on his verified Facebook page, captioned “Ishraque’s action: Drug dens demolished, dealers handed over to police” showed State Minister for Liberation War Affairs and several others chasing a group of people in Gandaria area while the minister was carrying a firearm what he described as an anti-drug operation. It is really surprising and shocking at the same time.
There is no denying that drug trafficking demands firm action. Drug traders are jeopersing lives of people. It is also true that public representatives should play an active role in raising awareness, mobilising communities and ensuring that law enforcement agencies take effective action against those involved. Nevertheless, a minister is a lawmaker, not a police officer. Conducting raids, chasing suspects with firearms and carrying out enforcement activities are responsibilities that should ordinarily remain with the authorised law enforcement agencies.
Such conduct ends up creating unnecessary controversy and raise questions about the role and efficacy of the police department. A public representative's responsibility is not merely to demonstrate action but to ensure that it is lawful, effective and appropriate. Such actions disregard established procedures and will undermine public confidence rather than strengthen it.
The minister reportedly explained that he had pointed firearms at the people concerned in self-defence. While personal safety is a legitimate concern, such explanations cannot automatically dispel public questions about the incident or its appropriateness. 
We encourage any anti-drug campaign to go on without interruption. However, we urge that it should be carried out with by law enforcement agencies, supported by credible intelligence, due process and accountability.