Highlights:
The government is set to increase the fees for issuing and renewing firearm licences, with some charges proposed to double under a revised policy aimed at increasing revenue collection and ensuring safer use of firearms.
The Ministry of Home Affairs sent a proposal to the Finance Division on 16 June, seeking approval to revise the Firearm Licence Issuance, Renewal and Use Policy-2025 by increasing licence and renewal fees, confirmed a senior Home Ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The Finance Division has approved the proposal, according to the official.
According to Home Ministry officials, the fee for issuing a pistol or revolver licence for individuals will be raised to Tk80,000 from the current Tk60,000, while the renewal fee will increase to Tk30,000 from Tk20,000.
For individuals seeking licences for long-barrel firearms - including guns, shotguns and rifles - the issuance fee will rise to Tk50,000 from Tk40,000, while the renewal fee will increase to Tk15,000 from Tk10,000.
Banks and financial institutions will have to pay Tk100,000 to obtain a licence for long-barrel firearms, compared with the current Tk50,000. The renewal fee will double to Tk20,000 from Tk10,000.
For institutions other than banks and financial institutions, the licence fee for long-barrel firearms will increase to Tk200,000 from Tk100,000, while the renewal fee will rise to Tk40,000 from Tk20,000.
The government also plans to increase licence issuance fees for firearm dealers and repair workshops to Tk80,000 from the existing Tk40,000. The renewal fee will remain unchanged at Tk20,000.
Fees for safe keeping of firearms, duplicate licences and delayed licence renewals will also be increased under the proposed policy, although the revised rates have not yet been disclosed.
According to Home Ministry officials, the proposed revision reflects the growing number of banks, financial institutions, industrial establishments and commercial enterprises requiring licensed firearms for security purposes.
Officials also noted an increase in applications for firearm licences by individuals in recent years.
The senior Home Ministry official said, "The revised Firearm Licence Issuance, Renewal and Use Policy-2025, incorporating the new fee structure, will be issued soon, as these fees are specified in the policy itself."
firearms / license
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