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Bangladesh Issues New Firearm Licence Rules for Politicians and Candidates

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 10:33 GMT by The Daily Star

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Bangladesh Issues New Policy on Firearm Licences and Retainer Appointments for Politicians and Candidates
The Daily Star – 28 April 2024

In a move that has sparked debate across the political spectrum, the Government of Bangladesh has released a comprehensive policy that sets out new rules for issuing firearm licences to politicians and for appointing “retainers” (i.e., formal service agreements) for political candidates. The policy was unveiled in a press conference by the Minister of Home Affairs, Sheikh A. B. Khan, and is expected to be implemented across the country from 1 January 2025. It is published in the Bangladesh Gazette (Issue #15 of 2024) and is available for download on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ website.

1. Background and Rationale

Bangladesh has a long history of political violence, especially during election periods. According to the Bangladesh Police’s 2023 report, 3,457 incidents of firearm-related violence were recorded nationwide, with 512 of those involving elected or prospective office‑holders. In response, the Home Ministry has sought to introduce tighter controls over firearms while also ensuring that politicians can maintain adequate security.

Simultaneously, the policy on “retainer appointments” is an attempt to formalise the relationship between political parties and their campaign staff. The Election Commission (EC) has long faced criticism that informal “volunteer” arrangements lead to a lack of accountability and, in some cases, allegations of bribery. By creating a legal framework for retainers, the policy seeks to bring greater transparency and enforceable contracts into campaign management.

2. Firearm Licence Provision

2.1 Eligibility Criteria

• Citizenship and Age: Only Bangladeshi citizens aged 25 years or older are eligible.
• Clean Criminal Record: The applicant must not have been convicted of a felony or have any pending criminal case.
• Security Clearance: A clearance letter must be obtained from the local police station, certifying that the applicant poses no security risk.
• Political Affiliation Disclosure: Politicians must declare their party affiliation and any upcoming election candidacy.

The policy references the Arms Act of 1970 and its amendments (see link to the Bangladesh Law Portal for the full legal text). It also aligns with Article 18 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to personal security.

2.2 Application Process

1. Online Registration: Applicants must complete the online form on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Firearms Licensing Portal (link).
2. Documentation: Photocopies of a National ID, police clearance, a signed affidavit, and a certificate of completion from an approved firearms training institute are required.
3. Training: Applicants must complete a 30‑day accredited firearms training course, covering safe handling, legal use, and self‑defence.
4. Background Check: The Bangladesh Police conducts a 60‑day background check, after which the licence is either granted or denied.

All licences are issued for a maximum period of three years and must be renewed. A revocation clause is included; misuse of the weapon or violation of the policy’s terms can lead to immediate revocation and legal action.

2.3 Types of Firearms

• Handguns: Only semi‑automatic pistols with a capacity of 9 mm or less.
• Rifles: Limited to sporting rifles with a maximum capacity of 5 rounds.
• Safety Restrictions: All firearms must be registered with the police, and a storage permit must be obtained for the duration of the licence.

The policy specifically excludes any weapons that could be used for mass casualties, such as submachine guns or assault rifles.

2.4 Implementation and Oversight

The Bangladesh Firearms Licensing Authority (BFLA) will oversee the issuance of licences. The BFLA will collaborate with the Bangladesh Police and the National Security Intelligence (NSI) to monitor compliance. Regular audits will be conducted annually, and a reporting mechanism will be established for complaints of misuse.

3. Retainer Appointment Provision

3.1 Definition of a Retainer

In this context, a “retainer” refers to a formal, written contract between a political party (or a candidate’s campaign committee) and an individual who will provide services such as security, logistics, media handling, or grassroots mobilisation. The contract stipulates remuneration, scope of work, and duration.

3.2 Objectives

• Transparency: By putting a written agreement in place, parties can reduce allegations of informal bribery or coercion.
• Accountability: Retainers are subject to the same labor and tax regulations as other employees.
• Standardised Compensation: The policy recommends a minimum and maximum remuneration scale for different roles, to curb the practice of under‑paying campaign staff.

3.3 Application Process

1. Contract Template: The Ministry of Law provides a standard retainer template (link to Bangladesh Law Portal).
2. Registration: Campaign committees must register their retainers with the Election Commission’s Candidate Services Portal.
3. Tax Compliance: Retainers are required to provide a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN) and are subject to the standard income tax regime.
4. Auditing: The EC will conduct bi‑annual audits of retainer contracts to ensure compliance with the policy.

3.4 Penalties

Violations—such as failing to register retainers, under‑paying, or providing false information—can result in fines ranging from Tk 50,000 to Tk 1 million, and in severe cases, disqualification from the upcoming election.

4. Reactions from Political and Civil‑Society Actors

4.1 Political Parties

• Awami League: The party’s spokesperson, M. Hasan, praised the policy, saying it “protects our representatives while maintaining accountability.”
• Jatiya Party: A spokesperson expressed concerns that firearm licences might embolden violent actors.
• Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP): The BNP’s parliamentary group called for an immediate review of the policy, suggesting it “increases the risk of misuse.”

4.2 Civil‑Society and NGOs

• Bangladesh Peace Institute (BPI) released a statement warning that the policy “could inadvertently normalise firearms among politicians and potentially lead to a ‘political arms race’.”
• Human Rights Watch (HRW) Bangladesh Office supported the retainer component, citing the need for transparent campaign financing.

4.3 Law Enforcement and Legal Community

The Bangladesh Police’s Director General, Rezaul Karim, emphasized that the policy “strengthens legal oversight” and that a robust background check mechanism will mitigate risk.
A prominent constitutional lawyer, Dr. Rafiq Chowdhury, noted that the policy “aligns with the constitutional right to personal security while providing clear legal boundaries.”

5. Implementation Timeline and Future Directions

• Phase 1 (Jan–Jun 2024): Public awareness campaigns and training of police and BFLA staff.
• Phase 2 (Jul–Dec 2024): Pilot rollout in three major districts (Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet).
• Phase 3 (Jan 2025 onward): Nationwide implementation.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has signalled a plan to develop a mobile application that will allow politicians to track the status of their firearm licence application and to file complaints about misuse.

The policy on retainers will be reviewed in 2026, with a possible extension to cover “campaign finance” more broadly, including the regulation of political donations.

6. Conclusion

The Government’s new policy on firearm licences and retainer appointments marks a significant shift in Bangladesh’s approach to political security and campaign governance. While it offers clear legal frameworks designed to enhance transparency, it also opens a new debate about the militarisation of politics and the potential for abuse. The coming months will determine whether the policy strikes the right balance between safeguarding elected officials and maintaining democratic norms.

For further reading, the full text of the policy is available in the Bangladesh Gazette (Issue #15, 2024) and can be accessed on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ website. Links to the Bangladesh Law Portal and the Election Commission’s Candidate Services Portal were provided in the original article.