The government has issued the Firearm Licence and Retainer Appointment Policy, 2025 to allow firearm licences and the appointment of retainers in favour of politically important persons and candidates contesting the national parliamentary elections.

The policy was promulgated through a gazette notification signed by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Ghani on Monday.

According to the notification, the policy aims to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and prevent election-time violence by regulating the issuance of firearm licences and the appointment of retainers for politically important persons and parliamentary candidates.

The policy comprises seven chapters and 19 clauses. These cover general provisions; objectives and rationale; firearm licensing provisions; appointment of retainers; procedures for retainer appointment; consistency with the Election Commission’s code of conduct; and appeal and reservation of authority.

Eligibility for a firearm licence includes being a government-recognised politically important person; submission of a nomination paper to contest the 13th Jatiya Sangsad election; existence of a verified security threat assessed by the appropriate authority, including intelligence agencies where applicable; physical and mental fitness; and the availability of secure firearm storage. Other existing rules and policies of the Ministry of Home Affairs will also apply, though the requirement related to personal income tax payment may be relaxed.

The licence issued under this policy will remain valid until 15 days after the announcement of election results, after which it will be deemed automatically cancelled.

Regarding the appointment of retainers, the policy states that such appointments will be permitted only where there is a genuine security threat. Retainers may not be appointed or approved for exerting political influence or intimidating others. If an eligible political figure or candidate is unable or unwilling to purchase a firearm, they may appoint a willing individual who already holds a valid firearm licence, is capable of handling the weapon, and agrees to serve as a retainer. Such appointments must be approved by the licensing authority.

Retainers must be Bangladeshi citizens aged at least 25, have a clean criminal record with police clearance, be trained in firearm use— with retired members of the armed forces or Bangladesh Police receiving preference— and possess a medical fitness certificate from a government hospital.

For appointment, the political figure or candidate must apply to the district magistrate using the prescribed form. The district magistrate will complete preliminary scrutiny within two working days, while police and intelligence agencies must finish security verification within three working days. Upon satisfactory reports, approval will be granted immediately.

Only one retainer may be appointed for each political figure or candidate, and the retainer’s tenure will expire with the validity of the licence.

The policy clarifies that no separate firearm licence will be issued in the name of the retainer. The retainer may only carry the weapon, while all legal responsibility related to the firearm will rest with the licence holder.

Under the code of conduct, licence holders must carry the licence and approval documents at all times while bearing arms. Firearms may not be used for intimidation, harassment, or purposes other than security. Licences and licensed weapons are non-transferable, and licence holders must immediately comply with any lawful instructions issued by law enforcement agencies.