The submachine gun (SMG) is known around the world for its rapid firing. This lethal automatic weapon is capable of discharging 100 to 300 rounds per minute. With an effective range of 50 to 200 meters, SMGs are often used by law enforcement in special operations within urban settings. However, their easy portability has also made them a weapon of choice for criminals.
Ahead of the upcoming national election, lethal weapons such as SMGs, rifles, mortar shells, pistols, ammunition, and powerful explosives are being smuggled into the country through border routes. While some consignments have been seized, a large portion has already made its way to different parts of the country. At the same time, despite the announcement of attractive rewards, 25 percent of the firearms and ammunition looted from police during the 2024 July Uprising remain missing. Experts fear these missing weapons and newly smuggled arms could affect the election-time security.
The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), responsible for border security and anti-smuggling operations, reported seizing 1,225 firearms, bullets, and magazines from border areas in the first nine months of 2025. Of these, 97 weapons were seized between January and April, while the remaining 1,128 were recovered between May and September. This indicates a sharp rise in arms trafficking as the election draws near. The confiscated weapons include two SMGs, three mortar shells, 11 revolvers, 19 pistols, and five shotguns.
Alongside these lethal weapons, the BGB also recovered 1,108 rounds of ammunition, of which 1,031 rounds were seized between May and September. During the same period, 31 magazines were also confiscated. In addition, several locally made firearms, pistols, and rifles were seized during attempted cross-border smuggling operations.
Security analysts believe that many more weapons enter the country than are intercepted. They say terrorist and smuggling rings involved in international arms smuggling have intensified their operations to destabilize the law and order situation before the polls. Evidence of this is the sharp increase in illegal weapons being seized across the country over the past five months. Several syndicates are bringing in weapons from across the border, not only through the western and southeastern borders, but also through smaller border routes. While some consignments are intercepted by BGB and other law enforcement agencies, several times more are entering the country. These weapons eventually end up in the hands of criminal groups. As the national election approaches, experts warn that the supply of illegal arms in the country may increase even further.
According to law enforcement agencies, the largest consignments of illegal weapons enter Bangladesh through the Teknaf and Ukhiya borders in Cox’s Bazar. Other key entry points include Chougacha, Jhikargacha, Sharsha, Darsana, Shahzadpur, Hizla, Andulia, Mandartala in Jashore and Benapole’s Goga, Kayba, Shikarpur, and Daulatpur as well as the Hili border in Dinajpur. Many dock owners in these border areas reportedly operate under political protection, allowing both conventional and advanced weapons to enter the country.
The issue of cross-border arms trafficking came into focus following the 2016 terrorist attack on Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan. Investigations revealed that the AK-22 rifles used in the attack were smuggled into Bangladesh through the Chapainawabganj border, hidden in mango baskets, while bombs were brought in via the Chougacha border in Jashore.
Most of the weapons smuggled into Bangladesh from neighboring countries are manufactured locally in those countries, particularly in Munger, a city about 200 kilometers southeast of Patna, the capital of India’s Bihar state. Earlier, Indian law enforcement agencies seized around 50 AK-47 rifles from traffickers in that region. Illegal arms manufacturing factories have long operated in Churwa, Mostokpur, Borahod, Noyagaon, Taufir Diara, and Shadipur villages of Munger.
Dr. Md Tawohidul Haque, associate professor at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, University of Dhaka (DU), and a crime analyst, believes that there is a real risk of these illegal weapons being used during the upcoming parliamentary election. Speaking to Bonik Barta, he said, “25 percent of the weapons looted from police stations during the mass uprising are still missing. Law enforcement agencies have also confirmed that illegal arms continue to enter the country through the borders. The more illegal weapons circulate in society, the greater the risk of crime. In our country, such weapons are often used in violence during elections, extortion, and establishing local dominance.”
He added, “Some candidates tend to use intimidation and force to maintain control over the election field. Recently, we saw an incident in Chattogram-8, where one candidate was shot and another killed during campaign activities. This is a stark example of how illegal firearms can influence elections. Such weapons may be used to instill fear among voters and rival candidates. Therefore, special drives must be launched immediately to curb illegal arms before the election. Authorities should also investigate how these weapons are crossing the borders. They also should take legal action against any negligence. In addition, strict action should be taken against those who use weapons to intimidate a candidate. Only then can the use of such illegal weapons be controlled.”
Meanwhile, according to the Police Headquarters, a total of 460 police installations across the country were damaged during the 2024 mass uprising, including 114 police stations, of which 58 were vandalized and 56 set on fire. In addition, 1,024 vehicles of various types were damaged. A total of 5,756 firearms were looted at that time, of which 4,413 have so far been recovered. This means 1,343 weapons remain missing. Of the 652,082 rounds of ammunition looted, 394,434 rounds have been recovered. To encourage recovery efforts, authorities have already announced two rounds of rewards. The declared rewards include BDT 500,000 for each light machine gun (LMG) recovered, BDT 150,000 for each submachine gun (SMG), BDT 100,000 for each Chinese rifle, BDT 50,000 for each pistol or shotgun, and BDT 500 for every round of bullets recovered.
However, AIG (Media) AHM Shahadat Hossain said that law enforcement operations have been intensified to recover the missing weapons. He told Bonik Barta, “So far, we’ve managed to recover over 75 percent of the looted firearms of police. Intelligence surveillance and field operations are ongoing to recover the rest. Monetary rewards have already been announced to encourage further progress. We expect to see positive results within a short time.”