Gun licences for candidates?
It is shocking and deeply regrettable that the interim government has taken a callous decision tantamount to abdicating its constitutional duty to ensure the security of all citizens. By allowing individuals deemed politically important and candidates contesting the national election to arm themselves, the government is effectively shifting its responsibility onto those it is meant to protect. While security agencies may issue advisories or safety guidelines in situations where there is a risk of a breakdown in law and order or civil unrest, the state cannot simply ask citizens—whether politically prominent candidates or ordinary voters—to purchase their own protection when their lives and property are under threat.
Amid growing concerns over candidates' safety following the assassination attempt on Sharif Osman Hadi, a leader of the July uprising and independent candidate in the upcoming elections, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday issued a circular announcing a revised gun-licencing policy. Under this policy, individuals classified as politically important and candidates in the parliamentary elections may be granted licences to carry firearms based on security and threat assessments. The policy also allows a licencee's appointed representative, described as a retainer, to carry the firearm if the licencee is unable to do so.
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This is a misguided policy, seemingly adopted without due consideration of its far-reaching consequences. First, it sends a troubling signal to voters that the government lacks the capacity to ensure security during the electoral process. Such a perception risks undermining public confidence and discouraging voter participation.
Second, the circumstances surrounding the attack on Hadi reveal that his assailants had gained easy access to him well before the attack, eventually blending into his campaign team. This demonstrates how, during electioneering, would-be attackers can exploit proximity and trust by posing as loyal supporters. Rather than enhancing candidates' safety, the provision allowing firearms to be carried by retainers may actually create opportunities for infiltration and facilitate acts of violence.
Third, promoting a culture of personal gun ownership for political security is alien to our society and traditions. It risks further degrading an already fragile political environment and discourages the culture of tolerance and restraint that is essential for a successful democratic transition.
Official statistics show that the previous Awami League government issued 17,264 firearms licences over its 15 years in power. Given the current volatility and toxicity of our politics, this highly anticipated election is likely to attract a record number of candidates and, consequently, unprecedented demand for firearms. It is unrealistic to expect licenced gun sellers to meet such demand. In this context, the proliferation of illegal firearms becomes a real risk, posing grave dangers to public safety. Moreover, the costs associated with purchasing firearms and hiring retainers would impose an additional financial burden on candidates, potentially pushing them beyond legally prescribed campaign spending limits.
We strongly urge the government to scrap this policy and instead fulfil its obligation to provide security to those genuinely at risk. Ensuring the safety of candidates based on intelligence-led threat assessments is essential, but this responsibility must remain with the state and not be outsourced to those most vulnerable.
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