Ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming parliamentary election, law enforcement agencies have reported a surge in illegal firearms entering the country through at least 18 border points, including Teknaf, Benapole, Chapainawabganj, Kushtia, Dinajpur, and Meherpur. Intelligence sources indicate that organized crime groups, some allegedly backed by political figures, are stockpiling modern weapons to influence electoral outcomes and create instability. Over 1,300 firearms looted during the July uprising remain missing, and more than 75 gangs are believed to possess automatic foreign weapons. Despite recent recoveries by RAB and BGB, police have made limited progress in tracing missing arms. Security officials warn that some gangs maintain covert links with political leaders and foreign intelligence agencies. Authorities have intensified patrols, checkpoints, and surveillance nationwide, but challenges persist due to political patronage, weak intelligence coordination, and slow judicial processes. Police have vowed strict action against any group attempting to use violence or intimidation during the election period.