TDS Desk:

The proliferation of illegal firearms is escalating across Bangladesh, raising serious security concerns ahead of the national election. Criminals are stockpiling advanced foreign weapons and using them to carry out killings and armed attacks in multiple regions.

On Wednesday, a BNP leader was shot dead in Ishurdi, Pabna. Earlier, Osman Hadi, spokesperson for Inquilab Mancha, was shot in the head in Dhaka in an apparent attempt on his life. In Chittagong, gunmen fired multiple rounds at a businessman’s home

Faced with ongoing threats, BNP-nominated candidate Md Masuduzzaman Masud withdrew from the upcoming Narayanganj-5 parliamentary election, citing security concerns.

Security analysts attribute the rise in violence to weapons looted from police stations during the August 5, 2024 incidents and firearms smuggled through border gaps reaching hand of criminal gangs. Criminals have become increasingly reckless. Ahead of the election, this threat could intensify, analysts warned.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) spokesperson Wing Commander MZM Intekhab Chowdhury said: “We have increased nationwide surveillance. All RAB units are actively recovering illegal weapons, and operations continue daily.”

He added that there is no need for public panic.

Former police officer Abdus Shahid told journalists: “The situation proves that criminals possess firearms, which they may exploit during election. Police and the army are conducting Operation Devil Hunt, which will continue until the polls. Weapons are being recovered, but efforts need to be strengthened, especially in targeted areas.”

RECENT INCIDENTS HIGHLIGHT THE RISING THREAT:

• December 12 – Osman Hadi shot in Dhaka’s Bijoynagar area.
• December 11 – Spice trader Abdur Rahman killed in Shyambazar, Old Dhaka.
• Earlier – Two people killed publicly in Khulna’s Courtpara; Jubo Dal leader Golam Kibria shot dead in Mirpur.
• December 17 – BNP leader Biru Molla shot dead in broad daylight in Pabna.

Police data shows that in November, 279 murder cases were recorded nationwide, alongside 184 robbery cases, 1,744 violence cases against women and children, 93 abductions, and 1,110 thefts and snatchings. Overall, 14,465 criminal cases were filed nationwide, with the highest number in DMP-controlled stations (1,383), followed by CMP (412) and GMP (270).

In the past 15 months, at least 4,809 murder cases have been reported, including 3,236 in the first ten months of 2025. Many are linked to the August 5, 2024 incidents.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that firearms continue to be used frequently. Nationwide operations against looted, unsubmitted, and illegal weapons are ongoing under Operation Devil Hunt: Phase 2, resulting in 1,921 arrests on Tuesday, including 1,398 under Phase 2, along with several weapons recovered.

Senior officials emphasized that multiple measures have been taken to strengthen security before the elections. DMP spokesperson Muhammad Talebur Rahman said: “Special operations are being conducted in all police station areas. Intelligence units are recovering illegal weapons and arresting criminals, while checkpoints have been reinforced for searches.”

Home Affairs Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, speaking in Narayanganj on December 17, said: “There is no doubt about the country’s overall security. If any candidate expresses concern, it is their personal opinion.”

He added that Masuduzzaman Masud’s withdrawal was entirely the candidate’s decision. “The candidate citing security concerns can explain the nature of the threats they face. Overall, there is no reason for public concern regarding security in the country.”