As national election approach amid rising political violence and targeted killings, demands for state-provided armed protection have surged. Political leaders and other high-risk individuals are increasingly seeking gunmen or firearms licenses from the Ministry of Home Affairs. A senior police official explained that the process begins with a written application to the local police or the home ministry detailing the threats faced. The application is reviewed by intelligence agencies, including the Special Branch (SB), which conduct risk assessments and background checks before making recommendations. He urged intelligence agencies—including SB, National Security Intelligence (NSI), Detective Branch (DB), and Criminal Investigation Department (CID)—to take threats and targeted killings seriously.

Source: Dhaka Tribune December 24, 2025 19:10 UTC