Staff Correspondent
Dhaka, Jan 19, 2026: The interim government has imposed strict restrictions on the use of licensed firearms in an effort to ensure a peaceful and orderly environment ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and referendum.
As part of enhanced security measures, all licensed firearm holders have been instructed to deposit their weapons at their respective police stations within a specified timeframe. The decision aims to prevent violence, intimidation, and disruptions during the election period.
According to a directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, owners of licensed firearms must submit their weapons to the nearest police station by January 31.
Authorities said the move is intended to maintain law and order and minimize security risks in the lead-up to the polls.
In a notification released on Sunday (January 18), the ministry confirmed that voting across the country will take place on February 12, in line with the schedule announced by the Election Commission. The firearm restrictions are part of broader preparations to ensure voter safety and public confidence.
The directive further states that from the announcement of the election schedule until February 15, the carrying or public display of licensed firearms will be strictly prohibited. This ban will remain in force throughout the post-election period as well.
However, the order includes certain exemptions. Licensed weapons officially allocated to politically significant individuals and parliamentary candidates under existing regulations will not fall under this restriction.
Candidates who have legally submitted and received approval of their nomination papers, along with their authorized armed retainers, will be exempt from the firearm display ban.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has warned that failure to comply with the directive will result in legal action under existing laws.
Police superintendents and other relevant officials across the country have been instructed to take necessary steps to enforce the order effectively.
A senior ministry official stated that such firearm control measures are a routine and critical part of election security planning.
He added that temporarily restricting weapons significantly reduces the risk of violence and public fear during elections.
Election security analysts believe that strict enforcement of firearm regulations can help create a calmer and safer voting environment.
However, they emphasized the importance of strong monitoring and field-level supervision to ensure the rules are properly implemented.
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