A rifle carried by former Chhatra Dal leader Pavel Sikder during an anti-drug operation led by former State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain was licensed in Ishraque’s name, the Detective Branch (DB) chief has said, raising questions about the use of licensed firearms by people other than their registered owners.
DB chief Shafiqul Islam, an additional commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), told Dhaka Tribune that the investigation had found that the two firearms seen in the hands of Ishraque and Pavel were licensed.
Asked whether one person could use a rifle licensed to another person, Shafiqul said those involved had been warned for the first time. If such an incident occurred again, action would be taken under the law.
“We have informed them and made it clear that these licensed firearms may only be used by the individual for their own protection,” he said.
The incident took place on October 17, when Ishraque visited the Dayaganj Ghuntighar railway gate area near Gandaria railway station in Dhaka during an anti-drug operation, carrying a pistol. Pavel, the former convener of Dhaka Metropolitan South Chhatra Dal, was seen carrying a rifle identified by DB authorities as a Colt M4 Carbine, .22 Long Rifle calibre semi-automatic carbine, bearing serial number BP060322 and manufactured by Carl Walther in Germany.
After a video of the incident went viral on social media, Ishraque resigned on the prime minister’s instructions. Images and videos showing firearms being openly displayed in broad daylight during the operation triggered widespread debate over the legality of their use and the political implications of the incident.
Investigation into firearms display
DMP has ordered an investigation into the display of firearms by Ishraque and his associates during the operation. The deputy commissioner of DMP’s Wari Division has been assigned to investigate the incident.
According to DB sources, investigators have been instructed to verify the incident and establish the source and legality of the firearms. They have been asked to determine whether the weapons were firearms lost by the military, illegal weapons smuggled into the country or legally owned firearms used in violation of regulations. Sources also said ballistic and forensic opinions were being sought.
At a press conference at the Press Club following the incident, Ishraque said the firearm he carried during the operation was licensed in his own name. He also said he had asked a colleague to keep the second firearm for security reasons.
Jaber Md Shoaib, additional deputy commissioner at the Dhaka Deputy Commissioner’s Office, told Dhaka Tribune on Sunday afternoon that the licences for both firearms had been issued by the DC office. He confirmed that the rifle carried by Pavel was also licensed in Ishraque’s name.
Shoaib said the licences for both firearms had been obtained in accordance with the rules and that no regulations had been violated.
What the law says
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ firearms licensing policy, licensed firearms are intended to be used only when absolutely necessary to protect the life of the licence holder or their family. Displaying firearms in public in a manner that causes fear among others is prohibited. Civilians cannot independently conduct operations using licensed firearms in this manner without the presence of law enforcement agencies.
Lawyers say that even if a firearm is legally owned, carrying or using it in circumstances that breach the licence conditions could constitute a violation. Whether any conditions were breached will depend on an investigation and an examination of the relevant documents.
Supreme Court lawyer Humayun Kabir told Dhaka Tribune: “Even a licensed firearm can only be used to protect one’s own life. However, in the incident involving Ishraque Saheb, I did not see any threat to the lives of those who used the firearms. Using firearms openly in this manner is harmful to the government and the state. Law enforcement agencies must take action in this regard.”
Residents, political leaders raise concerns
The public display of firearms by political leaders in the capital has raised concerns among local residents. Concerned citizens have called for the findings of an investigation into those seen carrying firearms in the videos, including Pavel, to be made public.
Niakat Ali, a Gandaria resident and former government employee, told Dhaka Tribune on Monday afternoon: “Using firearms openly in this manner creates fear among ordinary people. The police could have assisted in the anti-drug operation. Ishraque could have been present and provided support. Moreover, the rifle we saw in Pavel’s hands needs to be identified again. Weapons of this type were seen during the July movement. The government should take action on this matter.”
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar told Dhaka Tribune on Wednesday afternoon: “Even if a firearm is licensed, there are rules governing its use. The government should take action against those violating these rules. If the government shows weakness in this matter, it will send a very bad message. It will also encourage criminals.”
What the viral videos show
A video of the incident was posted on Ishraque’s Facebook page and quickly went viral, prompting widespread discussion. Another video showed the detained individuals being handed over to the police. Ishraque could be seen holding a pistol, while two other people accompanying him were also seen carrying firearms.
Ishraque was accompanied by two personal bodyguards he had appointed, Tofazzal Hossain and Lavlu. A government bodyguard was also present. The bodyguards appointed by Ishraque were carrying firearms, while the government bodyguard was seen pointing a firearm.