Government Offers Big Rewards for Illegal Weapons Information
Bangladesh will pay citizens up to Tk 200,000 for information about illegal weapons. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced this new reward plan on Saturday. He said a special unit has also been formed to find hidden guns across the country.
The Home Minister shared these details at a briefing in Rajarbagh, Dhaka. This event followed a regular quarterly crime review meeting for police officials. Mr. Ahmed stressed the great need for public help in this important national effort.
He said that the new special unit has already begun its work. It is getting intelligence support from various government agencies. The minister asked the unit to increase its search efforts even more.
Citizens who give information leading to the recovery of heavy weapons can receive up to Tk 200,000. These include powerful firearms like machine guns. For pistols, revolvers, and shotguns, the reward can be up to Tk 50,000.
Rewards will also be given for other types of illegal items. Finding sound grenades or stolen tear-gas shells will earn Tk 10,000 to Tk 20,000. The exact reward amount will depend on the specific item recovered.
Mr. Ahmed also promised to ensure the safety of all people who provide information. Their identities will be kept secret. This measure aims to encourage more citizens to come forward without fear.
Operations to recover illegal and looted weapons are underway nationwide. The government also plans to launch special campaigns. These drives will target drug trafficking, terrorism, and extortion across the country.
The Home Minister mentioned that legal cases have been filed against some individuals. These are people who did not surrender their weapons after their licenses were cancelled. He confirmed that these weapons are now treated as illegal. The special unit will also work to recover them.
Senior Secretary Manzur Morshed Chowdhury of the Home Affairs Ministry attended the briefing. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ali Hossain Fakir was also present. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed joined them.
When asked about illegal weapons crossing international borders, the Home Minister explained. He said that Bangladesh police cannot conduct operations in other countries. They will focus solely on recovering weapons found within Bangladesh.
