For political figures, MP candidates in 13th National Parliamentary ElectionSpecial policy announced on gun licences

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a new policy governing the issuance of firearms licences and the appointment of retainers for politically important persons and candidates contesting national parliamentary elections.

The “Firearms Licence and Retainer Appointment Policy 2025” was signed on Monday by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nasimul Ghani, on behalf of the president, according to an official notification.

The policy states that the guidelines have been formulated to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and prevent election-related violence by regulating firearms licences and retainer appointments for politically important persons and candidates for the post of member of parliament.

Under the policy, a maximum of one retainer may be appointed for a single politically important person or parliamentary candidate.

The tenure of the retainer will be limited and will automatically expire after the specified period.

To be eligible for a firearms licence, an applicant must be officially recognised by the government as a politically important person, must have submitted a nomination paper to contest the 13th national parliamentary election, and must face a verified security threat as assessed by the appropriate authority, including intelligence agencies where applicable.

Applicants must also be physically and mentally fit and have adequate arrangements for the safe storage of firearms.

The policy further states that other existing rules and regulations issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding firearms licences will apply.

However, the requirement related to personal income tax payment may be relaxed in granting licences under this policy.

Regarding the duration of the licence, the policy specifies that licences approved under these guidelines will remain valid until 15 days after the announcement of election results.

After that period, the licence will be deemed automatically cancelled.

However, if all other conditions of firearms licensing are fulfilled, the Ministry of Home Affairs may convert the temporary licence into a regular licence.

The policy warns that if any licensee retains possession of a firearm after the expiry or cancellation of the licence, punitive action will be taken in accordance with existing laws.

The guidelines also set conditions for the appointment of retainers. Retainers may be approved only in cases of genuine security risk and must not be appointed or approved for the purpose of exerting political influence or intimidating others.

In cases where a politically important person or candidate is eligible for a licence but is unable or unwilling to purchase a firearm, the policy allows the appointment of a retainer who already holds a valid firearms licence, is capable of operating the weapon, and is willing to serve as a retainer.

Such appointments must be approved by the licensing authority.