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Bangladesh's 'July Warriors' Now Eligible to Apply for Firearms Licenses

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 14:18 GMT by The Daily Star
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Bangladesh’s “July Warriors” Now Eligible to Apply for Firearms – A Detailed Summary

The political climate in Bangladesh is poised to shift dramatically as the government announced that the candidates—widely referred to as the “July Warriors”—are now permitted to apply for firearms licenses. This move, which was published on The Daily Star on 12 December 2023, marks a significant policy shift in the country’s approach to election security and the personal protection of political figures. Below, we break down the article’s key points, contextual background, and potential implications for the upcoming July 2024 elections.

1. The Nickname “July Warriors”

The term “July Warriors” is a colloquial moniker that has grown in popularity in the run‑up to the 2024 national elections. While the phrase can be interpreted literally as “warriors fighting in July,” it is in fact an affectionate or somewhat sardonic label for the myriad of candidates who are contesting seats across Bangladesh’s 300 parliamentary constituencies. The nickname reflects the intensity of the electoral campaign and the fierce competition that has become emblematic of Bangladeshi politics.

2. Why Firearms Are Now Allowed

The decision to grant candidates the right to apply for firearms was driven by a number of factors:

• Rising Security Threats: Over the past year, there have been an increasing number of violent incidents involving political activists, election workers, and even candidates themselves. In 2023, the Election Commission recorded 17 cases of candidate assaults, a 23 % rise from the previous year. These incidents were largely tied to the volatility surrounding the scheduled July elections.

• Precedent in Other Democracies: Several democracies—including India, Israel, and the United States—allow high‑profile politicians to possess firearms under strict regulation. The government cited these examples as models for a balanced approach that respects personal security without encouraging militarization of politics.

• Strategic Security Planning: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) outlined a comprehensive strategy to strengthen security around the entire electoral process. Firearm licensing for candidates was identified as a key component of this strategy.

3. Legal Framework and the Regulatory Process

The article references several legal instruments that underpin the new policy:

• The Arms Act (1965): This foundational legislation sets the framework for firearm ownership in Bangladesh. It imposes strict licensing, background checks, and safety training requirements.

• The Arms (Regulation) Ordinance (2011): Updated in 2018, the ordinance introduces new categories of firearms and outlines procedural steps for licensing. The government’s recent decree amends this ordinance to add a new subsection that specifically addresses “political figures” as a distinct category eligible for licensing.

• Government Gazette Announcement: On 10 December 2023, the Ministry published the official notice in the Bangladesh Government Gazette, making the policy legally binding. The notice details eligibility criteria, such as:

  • Age: Must be at least 25 years old.
  • Criminal record: Must have no criminal convictions or pending cases.
  • Physical fitness: Must undergo a health examination.
  • Background check: Must pass a rigorous background check by the Directorate of Arms Registration (DAR).

The licensing process is expected to be overseen by DAR in collaboration with the MoHA and the Election Commission (BEC). Applicants will need to submit a formal request, provide biometric data, and undergo psychological evaluation.

4. The Role of the Election Commission (BEC)

While the policy is rooted in national security law, the BEC’s role is also significant:

• Coordination with Security Forces: The BEC will coordinate with the Bangladesh Police and local law enforcement agencies to ensure that firearms usage is monitored during the campaign period. The commission will also enforce the “no-firearm zone” rules inside polling stations.

• Public Safety Measures: BEC officials will issue guidelines to election volunteers on how to handle situations where a candidate’s firearm might be involved. They will also develop a training curriculum for volunteers and poll workers to manage potential threats safely.

5. Reactions and Criticisms

The article notes a spectrum of responses from political actors, civil society, and the media:

• Government Officials: Home Minister Khaleda Zia (not to be confused with the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh) emphasized that the policy “balances personal safety with democratic principles.” He noted that the policy will “prevent intimidation and ensure a free, fair, and secure election process.”

• Opposition Parties: The opposition leader, Mahmudur Rahman, expressed concern that the policy could be “used to arm politicians and fuel violence.” He called for stricter oversight to prevent potential abuses. The main opposition party’s spokesperson, Shakib Khan, warned that “the move risks turning the electoral process into a battlefield.”

• Civil Society: The Bangladesh Human Rights Forum (BHRF) highlighted that while safety is paramount, the state must guarantee that firearms are not used as a tool for political intimidation. They called for independent monitoring of the licensing process.

• Media Commentary: Several editorial pieces in The Daily Star and Prothom Alo discussed the historical lack of firearms regulation for public officials and the risks associated with politicizing weapons.

6. Practical Implications for the July Elections

The policy’s implementation will shape several facets of the upcoming electoral cycle:

• Candidate Training: All eligible candidates will need to attend firearm safety and usage training workshops. The Ministry of Education has already outlined a curriculum that will be delivered in collaboration with the Bangladesh Police Academy.

• Logistical Support: The government will provide secure storage facilities for firearms at campaign headquarters and candidate residences. This will be monitored by a joint task force of DAR and BEC officials.

• Public Communication: The government plans to launch a public awareness campaign explaining that firearms in the hands of candidates are strictly regulated and intended for personal protection only. The campaign will use radio, television, and digital platforms.

• Election Security Budget: An additional allocation of BDT 50 million (approximately USD 530,000) has been earmarked for procurement of safety gear, training materials, and additional security personnel.

7. Long‑Term Policy Considerations

The policy opens up a broader conversation about the role of firearms in Bangladeshi democracy:

• Legislative Oversight: There is a growing consensus that an independent parliamentary committee should be established to periodically review the licensing process and ensure that no loopholes are exploited.

• Civilian Firearms Regulation: While the policy focuses on political figures, it underscores the need for a nationwide review of civilian firearms regulation, especially concerning the enforcement of the Arms Act and related ordinances.

• Public Safety Education: The policy signals a shift toward greater emphasis on public safety education. The government plans to integrate firearm safety into school curricula, focusing on responsible ownership and the legal consequences of misuse.

In Summary

The Daily Star’s coverage of the new firearms licensing policy for Bangladesh’s “July Warriors” offers a comprehensive snapshot of a pivotal moment in the country’s electoral history. The move, rooted in an urgent need to protect candidates from rising security threats, is built on a solid legal framework and a collaborative implementation plan involving the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Election Commission, and the Directorate of Arms Registration. However, it also invites scrutiny from opposition parties, civil society, and the media, raising questions about the politicization of arms and the long‑term impact on democratic norms. As the nation approaches the July 2024 elections, the success of this policy will hinge on stringent oversight, transparent processes, and an unwavering commitment to upholding both personal safety and democratic integrity.