Our Correspondent, Barishal :
Firearms collection slows down in Barishal metropolitan city area and district.
Only 74 out of 200 fire arms licensed from 2009-2024, surrendered till this report. Barishal Metropolitan Police sources said firearm licenses issued to civiliansfrom January 6, 2009 to August 5, 2024, were suspended after the fall of AL and takeover of new government .
The Ministry of Home Affairs ordered the license holders to submit the firearms along with the ammunition to the respective police stationsby September 3, 2024.
However, it has been observed to be very slow. Although there are more than 200 firearms in Barishal city and district, only 74 weapons have been accumulated till Sunday (September 1), police said.
Officer-in-charge of Barishal Kotwali Police Station Mustafizur Rahman said that a total of 39 firearms have been deposited in their police station till Sunday. Besides, more 35 firearms have been deposited in the remaining other three police stations of the Metropolitan Police and ten police stations of the Barishal district. However, several sources said most of thesefirearms licenses have been obtained by Awami League and its front organisation activists party leaders and activists in the past 16 years.
Awami League leaders and activists were also seen practicing with firearms in Barishal metropolis at various times including last July 19 to August 5.