Bangladesh Government Issues Guidelines for Firearm Licenses for Election Candidates and Politically Important Persons

The Bangladesh government has issued new policy guidelines for granting firearm licenses and appointing retainers for politically important persons and national election candidates. This initiative aims to enhance security and curb election-related violence, especially following the recent shooting of MP aspirant Sharif Osman Hadi.

The home ministry's circular outlines that around 200 high-profile individuals, including student coordinators from the July uprising, will also be eligible for security measures. Applicants must submit their requests to the district magistrate, who will conduct preliminary verifications and coordinate with police and intelligence agencies for security assessments.

The guidelines specify that licenses are for self-defense only, expire 15 days after election results, and restrict multiple licenses. Each candidate is allowed one retainer, who must meet specific criteria. Security measures have been initiated by police to ensure the safety of candidates ahead of the elections.