Bangladesh on Wednesday appealed for the surrender of hundreds of weapons that were looted during last year’s uprising, including machine guns, rifles, and pistols, in hopes of recovering them before the upcoming elections. The government also announced cash rewards for those who return the weapons.
In August 2024, around 6,000 firearms were reportedly stolen from police armories during the deadly unrest that toppled the hardline government of then–Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Police spokesperson A.H.M. Shahadat Hossain stated that more than 1,300 weapons are still missing. He said the government launched this initiative to prevent the misuse of looted weapons during the election period.
The police announced that a cash reward of up to $4,000 will be given for returning a light machine gun, $800 for an assault rifle, and $400 for a shotgun or pistol. Appropriate payments will also be made for the return of ammunition.
“Bangladesh Police guarantees complete confidentiality for those who surrender their weapons,” Hossain said.
Since Hasina went into exile last year, Bangladesh has been experiencing political turmoil, with political parties competing for power ahead of the general elections scheduled for February 2026.
According to Dhaka-based human rights group Odhikar, about 300 people have died in political violence following the uprising, and more than 150 others have been killed in various protests and clashes.
Meanwhile, investigators are continuing their probe into the devastating fire that broke out on October 18 at the cargo terminal of the country’s main international airport.
A senior Biman Bangladesh Airlines official, Bushra Islam, told AFP that a team investigating the fire found the broken lock of a vault in the cargo building, which was used to store weapons as well as valuable items such as gold and diamonds.
Islam said, “We are still collecting records to determine whether any weapons are missing.”
A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that after the fire, a team searched for the vault and found it open a few days later.
The government has requested assistance from foreign experts to help determine the cause of the fire.
