All legal firearms to be submitted to police by January 31 ahead of elections

PNN News Desk, Dhaka

In preparation for the upcoming Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election, the government has imposed strict regulations on legal firearms to maintain law and order across the country. Under this directive, license holders have been instructed to submit their legal firearms to the nearest police station by January 31.

This decision was announced on Sunday, January 18, through a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The notification states that according to the election commission’s schedule, carrying or publicly displaying firearms is strictly prohibited until February 15.

However, this restriction does not apply to candidates who have validly submitted nomination papers and have been accepted to contest the parliamentary election. Similarly, authorized armed retainers of these candidates are also exempt from the display restrictions.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has warned that those who fail to submit firearms within the stipulated period or violate the directive will face strict action according to existing laws. Police superintendents and other relevant authorities across the country have been instructed to implement the measures.

The Election Commission has scheduled the Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election and referendum for February 12. Officials consider this step crucial to prevent potential violence and ensure a safe voting environment.