Desk Report:
The Home Ministry has directed to deposit suspended/licensed firearms and ammunition by January 31, 2026, at the nearest police station/legal dealer of the licensee for the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections.
This directive was issued in a notification signed by Abeda Afsari, Deputy Secretary, Political-4 Branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 18, 2026.
The notification states- “The licensee himself/through his nominated representative shall deposit the suspended/licensed firearms and ammunition at the nearest police station/legal dealer of the licensee’s (permanent/current) address by January 31, 2026.”
It states- “This order shall not apply to the following persons, namely:
(a) Members of all law enforcement agencies involved in maintaining law and order:
(b) Security guards employed in various government, semi-government and private offices, financial and other institutions and establishments.”
It further states- “In accordance with the ‘Firearm License and Retainer Appointment Policy, 2025’ in favor of politically important persons and candidates for the post of Member of Parliament, the instructions regarding the prohibition of displaying legal weapons shall not apply to candidates for the post of Member of Parliament and their armed retainers who have legally submitted and accepted their nomination papers to the Election Commission.”
The notification further states- “The carrying and displaying of firearms by a licensed person shall remain completely prohibited until February 15, 2026.”
The notification also warns that legal action will be taken against those violating this order as per the provisions of the relevant section of The Arms Act, 1878.
The government has issued this order under the powers conferred by Section 26 of The Arms Act, 1878 (XI of 1878) with a view to conducting the upcoming Thirteenth National Parliament Election and Referendum in a free, fair and peaceful manner.
