Dhaka, Jan 19, 2026 — In a bid to maintain public order and prevent violence during the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and referendum, the interim government has mandated that all licensed firearm owners deposit their weapons with the authorities.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a directive requiring holders of legal arms to surrender them to their respective local police stations by January 31. This measure is designed to curb potential intimidation and ensure a secure environment for voters as the country approaches the polls.
Key Dates and Deadlines
The election schedule, confirmed by the ministry following the Election Commission’s announcement, sets the national voting date for February 12. To manage security risks, the following timeline has been established:
January 31: Deadline for depositing licensed firearms at police stations.
January 18 – February 15: Strict ban on the public display or carrying of weapons.
February 12: National Election and Referendum Day.
Exemptions to the Order
While the restrictions are broad, the government has carved out specific exceptions to the rule. The ban does not apply to:
Official Security Personnel: Weapons allocated to authorized retainers of political figures.
Validated Candidates: Parliamentary candidates whose nomination papers have been legally accepted and approved.
Authorized Retainers: Armed guards specifically assigned to protected individuals under existing legal frameworks.
Enforcement and Safety Measures
The Ministry has cautioned that any individual failing to comply with the surrender order will face prosecution under current laws. Police superintendents nationwide have been tasked with overseeing the collection process and ensuring the ban is strictly enforced at the field level.
A senior official from the Home Ministry described the move as a "routine but vital" component of election strategy, noting that reducing the presence of firearms in the public sphere significantly lowers the risk of electoral violence and public anxiety.
Security analysts have welcomed the move, though they noted that the success of the initiative depends heavily on the vigilance of law enforcement in monitoring compliance throughout the post-election period.
