Illegal firearms are becoming increasingly accessible across Bangladesh, raising serious concerns about public safety and law enforcement. Recent incidents in Dhaka highlight how easily such weapons can be ordered and delivered.
In Mirpur Section-2 of the capital, two arms dealers—Sohel Rana and Hanif—arrived to deliver a foreign-made 7.05mm pistol that had been pre-ordered via WhatsApp. After sharing multiple weapon options, the buyer selected the model and negotiated a price of Tk 190,000. One of the dealers collected the money while the other handed over the weapon.
However, they were arrested by Detective Branch (DB) police during the delivery on April 11. Following their arrest, investigators uncovered a large network involved in smuggling weapons into the country through border routes and distributing them using a “cutout” system. The suspects admitted they had purchased the weapon for Tk 160,000 and intended to sell it for a profit of Tk 30,000.
In another incident, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested three criminals in Agargaon with a 7.65mm foreign pistol and a magazine. During interrogation, they revealed they had bought the weapon for Tk 200,000 from a dealer who smuggled it from India. They later rented it out to associates for Tk 10,000–30,000 depending on the risk level and used it to maintain control over extortion and drug operations.
Authorities say the price of a good-quality 7.65mm pistol has now risen to around Tk 250,000.
A new and alarming addition to the criminal underworld is the “pen gun”—a small firearm disguised as a pen. Police discovered such a weapon while investigating a shooting in Old Dhaka on April 3.
The weapon was reportedly used by a professional killer known as Kallu, who bought it for Tk 80,000. Investigations revealed the gun had changed hands at least four times, with its price dropping from Tk 150,000 to Tk 80,000. Authorities suspect more such advanced weapons are still in circulation.
Law enforcement officials warn that illegal weapons are now widely available, even through pre-orders from home. Violence involving firearms is increasing, especially in Dhaka and Chattogram, where shootings, extortion, and displays of armed dominance are becoming more frequent.
Over 1,300 looted weapons and more than 250,000 rounds of ammunition remain unaccounted for, posing a major security threat. These are believed to be in the hands of criminals and extremist groups.
According to intelligence sources, the price of illegal firearms has increased three to four times due to rising demand. Weapons that previously sold for Tk 30,000–40,000 are now priced at Tk 100,000–150,000. Buyers include teenage gang members, political figures, and listed top criminals.
Smugglers have also changed routes. While the Benapole–Jessore–Dhaka route was previously common, weapons are now often transported via Khulna.
Police sources say the lack of an updated database of illegal weapons makes enforcement difficult. More than a hundred arms dealers are believed to be active nationwide. Authorities have now directed efforts to identify active shooters, hoping to trace suppliers through them.
Criminology expert Dr. Md. Omar Faruk warned that the fragile law-and-order situation has allowed illegal arms to spread rapidly. He stressed the need for a strict zero-tolerance policy to prevent further deterioration.
Red Zones in Dhaka
According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), 72 firearms were recovered in the last three months, including 25 foreign pistols. Eight police station areas—Pallabi, Mohammadpur, Uttara East, Wari, Kafrul, Gendaria, Turag, and Jatrabari—have been identified as “red zones” due to high levels of firearm-related crimes.
Data from law enforcement agencies show that most illegal weapons continue to enter Bangladesh through known border points, including Benapole, Godagari, Daulatpur, Naikhongchhari, and areas in Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
