Draft for review — the association must verify all requirements with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the local Deputy Commissioner’s office before publication
Licensing Is the Foundation of Lawful Ownership
In Bangladesh, there is no lawful firearm ownership without a valid licence. Every legally held firearm in the country is possessed under a licence issued by the government, within the framework of the Arms Act 1878, the Arms Rules 1924, and the Ministry of Home Affairs’ firearms licence policy as it stands from time to time. The licence is not a formality — it is the legal basis for possession itself, and it carries continuing duties that last as long as the firearm is held.
The Licensed Gun Owners Welfare Association of Bangladesh exists to help its members carry those duties well. In keeping with our motto — Safety & Discipline — LGOWAB regards a properly obtained, properly maintained licence as the first mark of a responsible owner, and we encourage every member to treat licensing rules with the same seriousness they bring to safe handling and secure storage.
Who May Apply
Licences in Bangladesh are typically issued for specific categories of arms — such as shotguns, rifles, and pistols or revolvers — and each category is treated separately under the current policy. What a given applicant may apply for, and on what conditions, depends on the category sought and on the applicant’s individual circumstances.
General eligibility considerations under the current policy typically include, among other things:
- Citizenship and a demonstrated, lawful reason for holding a firearm, such as personal security;
- Minimum and maximum age limits, which differ by category and are set by the policy in force;
- A record as a taxpayer, with income or tax-payment history taken into account for certain categories;
- A clean record — applicants with certain criminal convictions or pending proceedings may be ineligible;
- Limits on the number and type of firearms one person may hold.
Requirements vary and are revised by the government from time to time, so LGOWAB urges every prospective applicant to confirm the current criteria with the Ministry of Home Affairs or the local Deputy Commissioner’s office before applying. Nothing on this page is legal advice.
The Application Process
Applications are generally made to the Deputy Commissioner’s office of the applicant’s home district, which acts as the licensing authority for most categories of arms under the current framework. The process typically involves:
- Submitting the prescribed application with supporting documentation, which typically includes proof of identity and citizenship, evidence of income and tax payment, and the grounds on which the licence is sought;
- Police verification — the application is generally referred for a verification of the applicant’s background, character, and record before any decision is made;
- Review and decision by the licensing authority, which retains discretion under the law — meeting the general criteria does not by itself guarantee that a licence will be granted;
- Payment of the prescribed government fees, which are set by the authorities and revised from time to time.
Because the documentation, fees, and steps can change, applicants should obtain the current checklist directly from the Deputy Commissioner’s office before submitting anything. LGOWAB members are welcome to consult the association first so their application is complete and accurate the first time.
Renewal & Ongoing Obligations
A licence is not a one-time achievement. Under the current policy, firearm licences are typically renewed annually, with the renewal fee paid within the period the authorities specify. Allowing a licence to lapse can expose an otherwise careful owner to serious legal consequences, so timely renewal is among the most important habits a licence holder can build.
Beyond renewal, responsible licence holders typically need to keep their records current and their conduct in order, including:
- Ensuring the licence accurately reflects the firearm held, and reporting changes of address or other particulars to the licensing authority;
- Carrying and producing the licence as required, and observing any conditions endorsed on it;
- Complying with any government directives that apply to licence holders from time to time, such as directions concerning the deposit of arms during election periods;
- Storing the firearm securely and never permitting its use by any unauthorised person.
How LGOWAB Helps Members
Expert guidance on statutory compliance is one of the pillars of the association’s work. LGOWAB supports its members through every stage of the licensing life cycle:
- Guidance for applicants — helping prospective and current owners understand the current requirements, assemble complete documentation, and approach the Deputy Commissioner’s office prepared;
- Renewal reminders — helping members track their annual renewal dates so a valid licence never lapses through simple oversight;
- Compliance support — keeping members informed when the Ministry of Home Affairs revises the licence policy or issues new directives, and helping members understand what a change means for them;
- A collective voice — representing the shared, lawful interests of licensed owners so that the perspective of compliant, disciplined owners is heard.
If you hold a licence — or are considering applying for one — LGOWAB can help you do it properly, keep it current, and meet every obligation that comes with it.