Dhaka: The government has introduced a new policy concerning the issuance of firearm licences and the appointment of armed retainers for politically significant individuals and election candidates in preparation for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled to take place on February 12. This policy was announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs and is titled ‘Firearm Licence and Retainer Appointment Policy-2025 for Politically Important Persons and Candidates for the Post of Member of Parliament.’
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the policy aims to enhance public safety, uphold law and order, and minimize violence during the election period. It defines a ‘retainer’ as an armed individual designated to ensure the personal security of a politically important person or a candidate. A ‘politically important person’ is identified as a current or former high-ranking political figure recognized by the government. Applicants for firearm licences must be either a recognized politically important person or a candidate who has officially submitted nomination papers for the upcoming election, and they must demonstrate a verified security threat as assessed by relevant authorities, including intelligence agencies.
The Home Ministry’s existing provisions on firearm licensing will apply to licences issued under this policy, with the possibility of relaxing the personal income tax payment requirement. Licences granted under this policy will remain valid until 15 days after the election results are declared, after which they will be automatically canceled. However, the Home Ministry may convert these temporary licences into general licences if other conditions prescribed under the existing firearm licensing policy are met.
The policy stipulates that retainer appointments will only be approved if there is a genuine security threat, and such appointments must not be used to exert political influence or intimidate others. Politically important persons or candidates eligible for a firearm licence but unable or unwilling to purchase a firearm may appoint a retainer who legally possesses a licensed firearm. These appointments require approval from the licence issuing authority.
Retainers must meet certain qualifications, including being a Bangladeshi citizen aged at least 25 years, having no criminal record with valid police clearance, and receiving training in firearm use. Preference will be given to retired members of the armed forces or Bangladesh Police. Each politically important person or candidate is allowed to appoint only one retainer, whose tenure will expire with the specified licence period. No firearm licence will be issued to the retainer; they are only permitted to carry the firearm, with all responsibilities regarding the weapon resting with the licence holder.
The policy mandates that licensees must carry their licence and approval documents at all times when carrying the firearm. The firearm must not be used to intimidate or harass anyone and should solely be utilized for personal security purposes. Licensees are required to immediately comply with instructions from law enforcement agencies. The policy serves as a supplement to the Election Commission’s code of conduct and must not be violated. Any breach of the election code will be treated as a separate offence.
Licensing or approving authorities have the right to cancel the licence or retainer approval without prior notice in cases of misuse, violation of election conduct, or breach of government rules. Appeals against cancellation or suspension can be lodged with the Ministry of Home Affairs. The policy also restricts firearm types, allowing only limited-calibre non-prohibited bore (NPB) weapons for self-defence, prohibiting licences for multiple firearms, automatic weapons, or military-grade arms.