Cynthia Ezegwu
The Bangladesh government has announced cash rewards for the return of firearms looted during the violent uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
Police spokesman AHM Shahadat Hossaine said on Wednesday that authorities are seeking to recover about 1,300 missing weapons believed to have been stolen from police armouries during the unrest. An estimated 6,000 firearms were initially taken, he said.
Under the new incentive scheme, police are offering more than $4,000 for the surrender of a light machine gun, $800 for an assault rifle, and $400 for a shotgun or pistol. Cash rewards will also be given for ammunition.
“Bangladesh Police guarantee full confidentiality,” Hossaine said, urging citizens to hand in the weapons as the country prepares for general elections scheduled for February 2026.
Bangladesh has faced ongoing political instability since Hasina fled into exile last year, with rival political factions vying for control. Dhaka-based rights group Odhikar reports that nearly 300 people have been killed in politically motivated violence since the uprising, while more than 150 others have died in mob attacks.
READ ALSO: Bangladesh Launches Manhunt After Cleric’s Grave Desecrated in Violent Shrine Attack
Meanwhile, authorities are investigating a recent fire that gutted the cargo complex of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on October 18. Bushra Islam, a senior official at Biman Bangladesh Airlines, said a vault used to store arms, gold, and diamonds was found with a smashed lock after the blaze.
“It is not yet clear how many arms have gone missing, if any,” Islam said.
A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, confirmed that investigators had inspected the vault days before it was later found open. The government has requested assistance from foreign experts to determine the cause of the fire.