Bangladesh Offers Reward for Stolen Guns Ahead of Polls

DHAKA: Bangladesh has announced cash rewards for the return of firearms looted during political unrest in August 2024. An estimated 6,000 firearms, including machine guns, rifles, and pistols, were stolen from police armouries during the deadly uprising that led to the fall of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Police said over 1,300 of these firearms are still unaccounted for.

The authorities have issued a list of rewards for the return of these weapons. Cash payouts will range from over $4,000 for a light machine gun to $400 for a shotgun or pistol. The government is also offering rewards for returning ammunition. Police have promised full confidentiality for those who come forward to surrender the firearms.

Political instability continues to grip Bangladesh as the country heads into elections scheduled for February 2026. Since Hasina’s exile, political violence has claimed nearly 300 lives, according to the Dhaka-based rights group Odhikar. The unrest has led to widespread fear and uncertainty, with many citizens concerned about safety ahead of the upcoming elections.

In addition to the firearms recovery efforts, investigations are ongoing into a fire that broke out at Dhaka’s main international airport on October 18. The fire damaged a cargo complex, including a vault used to store arms, gold, and diamonds. Officials later discovered that the vault had been opened, though it’s unclear if any weapons were taken.

Authorities have requested foreign experts to help investigate the cause of the blaze and determine if any arms were stolen in the fire. Meanwhile, the government is focused on restoring law and order while trying to prevent further violence and political instability in the lead-up to the elections.