Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has announced an increase in cash rewards for individuals providing information that leads to the recovery of looted and illegal firearms. This initiative is part of the government's intensified efforts to address the proliferation of illegal weapons in the nation.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the announcement was made during a press briefing at the Quarterly Crime Review Conference held at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh. The conference, covering the second quarter of 2026, was organized by the Police Headquarters. During the event, the Home Minister emphasized the government's commitment to combating terrorism, extortion, and drug-related crimes. He warned that police officers failing to make expected progress within specified timeframes would face strict legal and administrative consequences.
Under the revised reward scheme, informants can earn up to Tk 2 lakh for information leading to the recovery of heavy weapons. Those providing details on pistols, revolvers, or shotguns will be eligible for rewards up to Tk 50,000. Additionally, information about sound grenades, looted tear-gas shells, and other looted weapons will attract rewards ranging from Tk 10,000 to Tk 20,000, depending on the circumstances. The identities of informants will remain confidential to ensure their safety.
Salahuddin Ahmed highlighted that the government is consistently implementing strategic plans to improve the country's law and order situation and enhance the police force's image, aiming to make it a public-friendly institution. A special unit has been established in coordination with intelligence agencies to boost operations for recovering illegal firearms.
The minister also stated that weapons with canceled licenses not surrendered within the stipulated deadline are now considered illegal, with ongoing drives to recover them. Special operations are being conducted nationwide, with intelligence agency support, to curb illegal arms, drug trafficking, smuggling, and extortion.
The conference was chaired by Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, with Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Manzur Morshed Chowdhury addressing it as a special guest. Additional IGP (Crime and Operations) Khandaker Rafiqul Islam delivered the welcome speech, and Additional IGP (Administration) AKM Awlad Hossain was among the attendees. During the conference, the minister engaged in discussions with DIGs, police commissioners, additional police commissioners, and superintendents of police (SPs) from various districts, responding to their queries and exchanging views.