27,000 Licensed Firearms Deposited Nationwide; 20,000 Yet to Be Surrendered

Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12, the interim government instructed all licensed firearm holders across the country to deposit their weapons to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election environment.

According to official data, a total of 27,995 licensed firearms have been deposited nationwide within the stipulated deadline. However, 20,288 licensed firearms have not yet been surrendered. As per a notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs, a total of 48,283 firearm licenses had been issued in the country under individual names.

The government has warned that strict legal action will be taken under the relevant provisions of the Arms Act of 1878 against those who failed to deposit their firearms within the deadline.

In a gazette issued on January 18, the Ministry of Home Affairs directed that all licensed firearms must be deposited at the respective police stations by January 31. Specific instructions were also given to all Superintendents of Police and relevant officials to take action against those violating the order.

According to intelligence and related sources, a significant portion of the firearms yet to be deposited were licensed during the tenure of the previous Awami League government. Many of the license holders are reportedly either abroad or in hiding within the country. Authorities have expressed concern that the large number of unreturned firearms could pose security risks during the election period.

At a press conference held at Police Headquarters on Tuesday (February 11), Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam stated that every unreturned or unregistered firearm represents a serious security threat. He said police are fully prepared to address threats posed by privately owned firearms looted from police stations at different times, as well as weapons illegally brought into the country.

The IGP emphasized that law enforcement agencies are conducting special drives to recover illegal and unreturned firearms to ensure overall election security. He noted that these measures are crucial to maintaining order at polling centers and preventing public panic.

Despite the government’s strict stance against the misuse of firearms ahead of the election, concerns over public safety have emerged due to more than 20,000 weapons still remaining outside official custody. The Ministry of Home Affairs has stated that, as the deadline has passed, holders of unreturned firearms will now be treated as possessing illegal weapons and will face immediate legal action.

Various units of law enforcement agencies are currently working in coordination to prevent any armed violence from disrupting the election process. Both the government and the Election Commission have placed the highest priority on firearm recovery to ensure a peaceful and conflict-free election.