Dhaka, June 30 (V7N) — A firearm magazine was discovered in the carry-on luggage of Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan (27) during a routine security scan at Shahjalal International Airport. The detection occurred around 7 a.m. on Sunday as he prepared to board a Turkish Airlines flight to Marrakech, Morocco, for the "OIC Youth Capital International" program .
 
Asif Mahmud explained via his personal Facebook account that the presence of the magazine was unintentional. "While packing, I left one licensed firearm’s magazine at home. Another magazine was mistakenly left in my bag," he wrote. He also stated that he carries a licensed weapon for personal and family security due to multiple attempted attacks related to his leadership in the recent public uprising. He added, "Without government protocol or security, I keep a licensed firearm for protection.”
 
Airport officials confirmed that upon discovery, Asif Mahmud acknowledged the oversight, expressed remorse, and later arranged for the magazine to be removed from the airport via his personal aide.
 
Bangladesh’s firearms policy permits individuals over 30 years old with an annual income tax payment between Tk 100,000 and Tk 300,000 to obtain licenses. However, advisers, ministers, and officials of equivalent rank are exempt from this income requirement 
. Since Asif Mahmud holds the rank of adviser, he is not barred from licensing despite being only 27.
 
Airport regulations strictly prohibit weapons and ammunition. Asif emphasized that he had no intention of carrying the magazine to the airport—"What would I do with just the magazine? If I had planned to carry a weapon, I wouldn't have left the firearm behind," he remarked.
 
He further contested allegations that media pressure influenced the removal of initial reports, clarifying that he was in transit for ten hours and only learned online of the story's publication later. "As a citizen, if your security is at risk, you can also legally license a firearm by following proper procedures," he noted.
 
The incident highlights concerns about airport security protocols and the responsibilities of high-ranking officials carrying licensed arms during travel.
 
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