Election candidates will be granted firearm licences if requested: Home adviser

Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated on Saturday that the government will provide handgun licences to candidates running in the upcoming national election who apply for them.

"We will grant licences to those contesting in the forthcoming national election who wish to have them," added the minister.
He made the statements while briefing journalists following a Core Committee meeting on law and order at the Home Ministry of the Bangladesh Secretariat. 

He also stated that any firearms previously deposited with the government would be restored to the candidates.
Referring to the recent attack on Inqilab Manch spokesperson Osman Hadi, the Home Adviser stated that the government believes the event was an attempt to disrupt the 13th legislative election.

"The Interim Government will not tolerate any attempt to obstruct the national election, and such actions will be dealt with firmly," according to him.

Regarding security plans for candidates, especially frontline July Warriors, he stated that the government will provide full safety to everybody. Regarding enhanced security for the July Warriors, he stated that a committee has been formed to examine and plan the appropriate steps.

"The committee will provide security to frontline July Warriors after a thorough evaluation," he stated, adding that the interim government is completely dedicated to their safety.

The Home Adviser also condemned the attack on Osman Hadi, stating that the government is determined to apprehend the offenders as quickly as possible.

"We have directed law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to justice. "No one involved in the attack will be spared," he stated, emphasising that the case is being handled as a top priority and urging public participation.

In addition, he announced the immediate commencement of the second phase of "Operation Devil Hunt" to increase efforts against fascist Awami League (AL) militants in the aftermath of the attacks.

"We have decided to initiate Phase 2 of Operation Devil Hunt. "The operation will be intensified to effectively neutralise fascist terrorists," he stated.

The Home Adviser also announced a cash prize of Tk 50 lakh for anyone who provides information leading to the arrest of individuals engaged in the incident.

Osman Hadi was critically hurt after he was attacked by motorcycle riders in Dhaka's Bijoynagar Box Culvert neighbourhood on Friday. He is now being treated at Evercare Hospital.