Politicians rush to apply for personal security

The 13th parliamentary elections are set to be held on February 12. In the meantime, considering the overall law and order situation in the country, politicians and candidates are rushing to submit application to the Ministry of Home Affairs for personal security and weapons licenses. According to ministry sources, almost all of the applicants are associated with some political party or are associated with the July Movement. The work of scrutinizing the submitted applications is underway as personal security will be provided on a priority basis soon.

According to sources, applications for personal security and weapons licenses have to be submitted to the Public Security Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Ministry of Home Affairs and intelligence agencies will assess the security risk and level of the applicant and will make a decision. If the risk is proven, the ministry will instruct the Police Headquarters and a police member (gunman/bodyguard) or some other security system will be allocated.

On the other hand, the minimum age for pistols/revolvers liscence is 30 while for shotguns is 25. Sources said that the number of politicians seeking security has increased after the shooting of Inqilab Mancha convener and potential candidate Sharif Osman Hadi.

According to sources from the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman applied for personal security on December 17. He has applied to the Ministry of Home Affairs for a full-time gunman and armed police personnel for the security of his residence. Jatiya Party (JaPa) Chairman Anwar Hossain Manju applied for security on December 22, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Col. (retd.) Oli Ahmed on the same day, Ganasamhati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki on December 24, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh Secretary General Yunus Ahmed on December 28, and Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman Barrister Andalib Rahman Partha applied for security on the same day. Besides, BNP's nominated candidate from Demra-Jatrabari Tanvir Ahmed Robin, BNP candidate from Pabna-3 constituency Zafir Tuhin, M Iqbal Hossain from Jashore-5 constituency, Hamidur Rahman from Dhaka-7 constituency, Nadira Akhter from Madaripur-1 constituency, Habibur Rashid from Dhaka-9 constituency, Sheikh Rabiul Alam from Dhaka-10 constituency, SM Jahangir Hossain from Dhaka-18 constituency, Gias Uddin Quader Chowdhury from Chattogram-6 constituency, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar and Jamaat leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher have applied for personal security in December. On the other hand, BNP leaders Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Ruhul Quddus Tarukder Dulu and Reza Kibria have applied in January this year. The list of applicants also includes former adviser to the interim government and convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam, former adviser Mahfuj Alam, NCP's chief coordinator for the southern region Hasnat Abdullah, and chief coordinator for the northern region Sarjis Alam, NCP leaders Nasiruddin Patwari and Akhtar Hossain. Hannan Masood and Tasneem Zara, who recently resigned from the NCP, are also in the list. In addition, several other politicians and parliamentary candidates have applied for gunman and weapons licenses.

An official (Joint Secretary) of the Public Security Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs said, “Many July fighters and MP candidates have applied for personal security. After analyzing the risk, instructions have been given to the District SPs, Range DIGs and Metropolitan Commissioners and gunmen, surveillance and additional forces are being deployed as required.”

He said, “Many people active in the July mass movement have demanded gunmen and weapons licenses. However, although the issue of issuing licenses is being actively reviewed considering the level of risk, it is not possible to provide gunmen to everyone due to the limited manpower of the police force. Since many applicants are students and do not have personal vehicles, deploying gunmen is not realistic, especially for those who travel by rickshaw or public transport.”

Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam said in this regard, “Many people have applied for personal security in November and December 2025. Those who are more vulnerable (at risk of security) are being given an armed guard. Some suggestions have been given to those who are less at risk. It's about how to move around. It's not possible to give gunmen or weapons to everyone anymore."