On Saturday, a firearm magazine containing a single bullet was recovered from a travel bag belonging to interim government Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, sparking uproar across the country.
In response, the Adviser said that the magazine, discovered in his luggage during screening at Dhaka airport, had been left behind unintentionally, stressing that there was nothing illegal about it.
Asif, who also serves as the local government adviser, further clarified that he possesses a licensed weapon for personal and family protection, citing repeated threats and attempts on the lives of key figures involved in the July uprising.
“It is only natural to retain legal protection when there is no official protocol or security detail provided,” he said, adding that any citizen facing security risks can obtain a firearm licence by following due process.
When contacted, Dhaka Tribune learned that the young Adviser Asif—who rose to national prominence during the July-August mass uprising and later took charge of several ministries in the interim government—holds two arms licences: one for a pistol and another for a shotgun.
Md Amirul Kyser, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Cumilla, confirmed to Dhaka Tribune yesterday that Adviser Asif obtained the two arms licences from his permanent address in Cumilla.
According to the latest data from the concerned department of the Home Ministry, as of June 2025, a total of 43,864 personal firearms licenses have been issued.
A total 22,151 licenses were issued from January 2009 to August 2025 during the Awami League regime.
Between August 5, 2024, and April 30, 2025, under the interim government, 177 firearms licenses have been issued.
By this time, the Home Ministry has revoked 12,024 firearms licenses, with most of the revoked licenses issued during the Awami League regime.
However, eligible individuals may still retain their licences under the Arms Act, 1878, and the Firearms Licensing, Renewal, and Use Policy 2016.
How did Asif Mahmud get the licences?
According to the Firearms Licensing, Renewal, and Usage Policy 2016, no licence may be issued unless all specified conditions are fulfilled.
Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain’s explanation has prompted questions about whether he met the basic eligibility criteria for a firearms licence—particularly the minimum age and income tax requirements.
Reports suggest that Asif Mahmud has not yet reached the age of 30 and was a student until recently, indicating that he likely has not paid income tax for three consecutive years.
However, Section 32 of the Firearms Licensing Policy 2016 outlines exemptions from age and tax requirements for certain categories of individuals.
These include the speaker and deputy speaker of parliament, ministers, state ministers, deputy ministers and their equivalents, members of parliament, mayors of city corporations and Class-A municipalities, District Council administrators, and upazila chairmen.
Also included are judges, certified freedom fighters, government officers (serving or retired) of sixth grade or above, commissioned armed forces officers, certified national-level shooters, and individuals recognized for significant national contributions in fields such as literature, culture, sports, science, and research.
As Asif Mahmud currently holds the rank of adviser with ministerial status, he qualifies for a firearms licence without needing to meet the usual age or tax requirements.
How to get a firearms licence in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, individuals may own firearms for personal protection or business security, but obtaining a licence is a rigorous process.
The application process involves police verification, intelligence vetting, recommendations from the district administration, and final approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Only after completing all these steps can one legally own a firearm.
Even after receiving a licence, firearm owners must follow strict rules regarding the storage and use of weapons.
If a licensed firearm is used illegally or in violation of the regulations, authorities may cancel the licence.
Licences are generally issued for shotguns, revolvers, and pistols. Automatic and semi-automatic firearms, including rifles, are prohibited for civilians.
No individual may hold more than two licences, though certified shooters may be granted up to three licences with a recommendation from the Bangladesh Shooting Sports Federation.
Eligibility and financial criteria
Applicants must be Bangladeshi citizens aged between 30 and 70 and must be physically and mentally fit.
They must be registered income taxpayers under the “individual” category and must have paid income tax consistently over the past three fiscal years.
For pistols, revolvers, and rifles, the minimum required tax payment over three years is Tk300,000. For shotguns, the requirement is Tk100,000.
For expatriates or dual citizens, the criteria include sending a minimum annual remittance of Tk1.2 million over the past three years and providing proof of income tax payment abroad.
Anyone named in a charge sheet for a criminal case is automatically disqualified. Individuals convicted of a criminal offence are ineligible for a firearms licence for five years after completing their sentence.
The firearms licensing process
All licences are issued by the district magistrate, who maintains local firearm records.
Applicants must submit a prescribed form to the magistrate of their permanent address.
Following this, the magistrate initiates background checks through police channels.
Applicants are then interviewed to assess physical and mental fitness, knowledge of the proposed firearm, its maintenance, and the necessity of possession.
For shotguns, the district magistrate may issue the licence directly after verification.
For pistols or revolvers, eligible applications are forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs for clearance. Upon receiving a no-objection certificate from the Ministry, the Magistrate issues the licence.
Once granted, the weapon must be registered with the district magistrate’s office within five working days of purchase.
In the case of inherited firearms, the registration period begins from the date the predecessor’s licence was recorded.
Can the license be revoked for misuse?
Under Section 25 of the Firearms Licensing Policy 2016, there are eight specific conditions governing the carrying and use of firearms. Violating any of these may result in revocation.
The policy states that only the licensee may carry or use the firearm, and it must not be used in a way that causes public alarm or discomfort.
Private guards employed by banks or institutions may not publicly display weapons unless in uniform.
Additionally, license holders cannot act as bodyguards for others using their licensed weapons.
Firearms issued to institutions may not be used for the personal safety of owners, directors, or staff.
Licences are typically issued for one to three years and must be renewed regularly.
If a licence is revoked, the holder may seek legal recourse in court.
