By Professor Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen Recent reports indicate an increase in the granting of civilian firearm licences to political candidates in Bangladesh, reportedly for personal protection amid heightened political tensions. While presented as a precautionary measure, this development raises serious concerns regarding public security governance, the rule of law, and electoral safety.
In recent years, there has been widespread demand in the US for gun control in order to reduce deaths and accidents; in contrast, the Yunus government is encouraging its political supporters to own guns for their personal protection.ย
Apparently, Dr Yunus loves the Wild Wild West and its justice system; therefore, he is trying to introduce the same in Bangladesh, despite the West having rejected it.
In fact, his decision reflects a failure of state protection mechanisms and poses risks of normalizing weapons in political life, potentially undermining Bangladeshโs long-standing civilian security framework.
Governance and Institutional Concerns
The responsibility for maintaining internal security in Bangladesh lies squarely with the interim administration and, operationally, with the Ministry of Home Affairs. The expansion of firearm licensing to political actors indicates that, before the upcoming election:
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1. Inability of the state to guarantee security through institutional means, including neutral policing and intelligence-led protection.
2. Erosion of public confidence in law enforcement agencies, whose role is to provide equal protection under the law.
3. A policy response driven by fear management rather than risk reduction, which may exacerbate insecurity rather than resolve it.
From a governance perspective, this represents a direct institutional failure rather than an isolated administrative decision.
Implications for Rule of Law and Electoral Integrity
International experience demonstrates that when political actors are permitted to arm themselves:
โข Political competition risks becoming coercive rather than democratic
โข Armed intimidation can suppress voter participation
โข Electoral processes may lose credibility domestically and internationally.
For a country approaching an electoral phase, such measures are incompatible with international standards for a free, fair, inclusive and peaceful election.
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Risks to Civilian Safety
Bangladesh has historically maintained strict controls on civilian firearms, contributing to relatively low gun proliferation. Any policy shift that introduces weapons into politically charged environments risks:
โข Escalation of political violence
โข Expansion of illegal arms circulation
โข Increased civilian harm through misuse, theft, or retaliation
These outcomes would disproportionately affect ordinary citizens rather than those the policy claims to protect. More so, as mob jihadis and Islamic fanatics of Mullah Mohammed Yunus have taken over the government and are on a killing spree across the nation. Reportedly, during the last 16 months of Yunus’ government, nearly 6,700 people, mostly supporters of the past Awami League government, plus minority Hindus, have been killed by lynching without due process of law. Recently, a Hindu, Dipu Chandan Das, a garment worker, was killed in a barbaric wayโthey beat him, then tied him to a tree, then took off his clothes, teased his naked body, and then burned him alive publicly, similar to the medieval age, for no fault of his. His killers argue that he allegedly defamed their prophet. The security forces did not find any evidence to support their claims.
Accountability and State Responsibility
The issuance of firearms to political candidates implicitly acknowledges that:
The state is currently unable or unwilling to provide adequate protection through lawful, neutral, and professional security services.
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This constitutes a failure of duty by the interim government, with particular accountability resting on the Home Ministry, which oversees policing, internal security, and licensing authorities.
Such failures, if unaddressed, risk long-term damage to institutional legitimacy and democratic stability.
Alignment with International Norms
Under international governance and human rights standards:
โข The state retains a monopoly on the legitimate use of force
โข Civilian arms proliferation, particularly for political purposes, is discouraged
โข Election-period security must be ensured through impartial state mechanisms, not individual armament.
Deviation from these principles warrants international attention and engagement.
Recommended Actions (Non-Prescriptive)
โข Immediate review and suspension of firearm licences issued for political purposes
โข Reinforcement of neutral police protection and election security frameworks
โข Transparent accountability from the Government of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Home Affairs
โข Engagement with UN electoral and governance support mechanisms
โข Confidence-building measures to de-escalate political tensions.
Concluding Observation
The current approach does not enhance security; rather, it signals institutional weakness. For Bangladeshโs stability and international standing, it is essential that the protection of political actors and civilians alike is restored to state institutions, not private firearms.
Professor Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen: Former Foreign Minister of Bangladesh
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