A. S. M. Jamshed Khondakar, District Administrator and District Magistrate of khulna. File Photo

KHULNA, Jan 24, 2026 (BSS) - Khulna district administration has ordered all suspended and licensed firearms and ammunition to be deposited by January 31, aiming to ensure a free, fair and peaceful 13th Jatiya Sangsad election.

In a public notice signed by District Magistrate A S M Jamshed Khondker, firearms licence holders were instructed to submit their weapons and ammunition to the nearest police station or to an authorised dealer at their permanent or present address, either in person or through a nominated representative.

The order, however, will not apply to members of law-enforcing agencies engaged in maintaining law and order, nor to security guards deployed at government, semi-government and private offices, financial institutions and other establishments.

The term "law-enforcing agencies" refers to the forces described under Article 152 of the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the notice said.

The restriction will also not apply to duly nominated and accepted candidates for the post of Member of Parliament and their armed retainers, as per the Firearms Licensing and Retainer Appointment Policy for Politically Important Persons and Parliamentary Candidates 2025.

The notice said the carrying and display of firearms by licensed individuals will remain completely prohibited until February 15, 2026.

Legal action will be taken against violators under the relevant provisions of the Arms Act, 1878, it added.