Dhaka: Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Dhaka has asked all licensed arms holders for submission of their firearms and ammunition to the nearest police station by January 31. The order has been issued as part of the government initiative to make the upcoming 13th national parliament election and referendum in a free, fair and peaceful manner.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, all licensed weapons must be deposited with the nearest police station or legal dealer by 2.00 pm on January 31, 2026. The deposited weapons are required to remain with the concerned police station until 5.00 pm on February 15, 2026. The order further prohibited the carrying and displaying of any firearms by license holders until February 15, 2026.
The directive includes a warning of action against violators under the provisions of the relevant section of the Crimes Act, 1878. However, the order clarified that it does not apply to members of law enforcement involved in maintaining law and order, or to security guards employed in various government, semi-government, and private offices, financial, and other institutions. Additionally, candidates of the parliamentary elections and their permitted arms retainers are also exempt from this requirement.