The Bangladesh government has decided to review all firearm licenses issued during the tenure of the Awami League government. Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed announced the decision on Monday after a meeting with heads of agencies under the Home Ministry. He said the verification process would determine whether licenses were issued properly and to eligible individuals. Licenses found to have been granted unlawfully or for criminal purposes will be canceled, and associated weapons will be confiscated. A circular on the review process was expected to be issued the same day.

The minister also directed the ministry to compile statistics on the total number of licenses and licensed firearms. He emphasized that improving law and order is the current government’s top priority, aiming to make law enforcement more people-friendly. Ahmed further revealed that over 10,000 firearms not surrendered before the last election have become illegal and will be recovered through legal measures.

He added that cases filed after August 5, 2024, following the fall of the Awami League government, will be reviewed for fairness, and a new commission will be formed to reinvestigate the BDR mutiny.