Govt approves temporary firearm licences for election candidates and important figures
Earlier, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said the government is taking steps to secure politically important individuals
The government has unveiled new guidelines enabling politically significant individuals and parliamentary candidates to obtain temporary firearms licences and employ armed retainers for personal security.
The directive, released today (15 December) by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to prevent election-related violence, curb intimidation tactics, and stop the formation of private armed groups. It also seeks to ensure that any approval for licences or retainers is based on genuine security threats while maintaining transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law.
Earlier, following a law-and-order core committee meeting on 13 December, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury told reporters that the government is taking steps to secure politically important individuals. He added that licences would be granted upon request, and previously held licences could be returned if desired.
The announcement comes amid heightened security concerns following the attempted assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inkilab Manch and a prospective candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, who was shot in Purana Paltan last Friday. Hadi, critically injured, was initially treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Evercare Hospital before being airlifted to Singapore today for advanced medical care.
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Who will be eligible?
Under the new guidelines, politically important persons include current or former high-ranking officials recognised by the government. Parliamentary candidates are defined as individuals who have validly submitted nomination papers to the Election Commission. A retainer is defined as an approved armed individual employed for the personal security of such persons.
Applicants for firearms licences must be recognised politically important figures, nominated for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, and assessed to have a credible security risk by the appropriate authority, including intelligence agencies where applicable. Physical and mental fitness and secure storage arrangements for firearms are also required.
Licence and retainer rules
Only small-calibre "Non-Prohibited Bore" firearms for self-defence will be permitted. Multiple licences will not be issued, and those holding existing licences cannot obtain additional ones. Automatic or military-grade weapons are strictly prohibited.
The temporary licence is valid until 15 days after the election results are announced, after which it will automatically expire. Standard regulations will apply for conversion to permanent licences, and retaining firearms after expiry without permission will result in legal action.
Retainer appointments will be granted only for individuals with verified security threats. Applicants must submit requests to the district magistrate, who will approve or reject applications within two days. If a politically important individual cannot purchase a firearm or chooses not to, they may designate a qualified retainer who already holds a legal firearm.
Retainers must be Bangladeshi citizens, at least 25 years old, trained in firearm use, and preferably former members of the armed forces or police. Medical fitness certificates from government hospitals are also required. Each politically important person may appoint one retainer.
These measures are designed to balance the need for personal security of key political figures with the government's aim to maintain law and order and prevent the misuse of armed personnel during the upcoming elections.
