Dhaka, August 26 – The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the suspension of all weapons licenses issued to civilians during the 15 and a half years of the ousted Awami League government. In a notification released on Sunday night, the ministry ordered all civilians holding these licenses to surrender their firearms and ammunition to the respective police stations by September 3.

The notice, signed by the Ministry's Senior Information Officer, Faisal Hasan, specified that all firearm licenses issued between January 6, 2009, and August 5, 2024, have been suspended. The decision affects all civilian firearm holders who obtained their licenses during the period when the Awami League was in power.

The notification urged all affected individuals to comply by submitting their weapons and associated ammunition to the nearest police station by the given deadline. 

Following this directive, district magistrates have been instructed to take necessary actions as per the existing laws and regulations. They are required to enforce 'The Arms Act 1878' along with the Policy on Issue, Renewal, and Use of Firearms License 2016, as mandated by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The ministry’s decision comes amidst heightened security measures and is aimed at tightening control over civilian firearms in the country. The directive highlights the government's intent to regulate the possession and use of weapons more strictly, following the end of the Awami League’s tenure.