Govt offers up to Tk 2 lakh for information on looted, illegal firearms
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today announced financial rewards for information leading to the recovery of looted and illegal firearms, while warning police officials of strict action if they fail to curb terrorism, extortion and drug trafficking within the set deadlines.
“Those providing information that helps recover heavy weapons will receive up to Tk 200,000, while information leading to the recovery of pistols, revolvers or shotguns will fetch up to Tk 50,000,” he said.
He made the announcement while briefing journalists after addressing the quarterly crime review conference for April-June 2026, organised by Police Headquarters at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh.
The minister said the government has intensified drives to recover looted and illegal weapons by forming a special unit with coordination among various intelligence agencies.
He said informants could receive Tk 10,000, Tk 15,000 or Tk 20,000, depending on the type of recovered items, including sound grenades, looted tear-gas shells and other stolen weapons.
“The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential,” the minister assured.
He also said weapons whose cancelled licences were not surrendered within the stipulated deadline had already been treated as illegal arms, with cases filed against the holders.
Operations to recover those weapons are continuing, he added.
The minister said law enforcement agencies had been given specific deadlines to take effective action against terrorists, extortionists and drug dealers.
“Officials who fail to demonstrate the expected progress within the stipulated timeframe will face strict legal and administrative action,” he warned.
He said coordinated strategic operations were also underway across the country, with support from intelligence agencies to prevent illegal arms trafficking, drug dealing, smuggling and extortion.
Ahmed said the government was pursuing regular strategic plans to improve the law and order situation and transform the police into a more people-friendly and public-oriented institution, thereby enhancing its image.
Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir chaired the conference.
Senior Home Secretary Manzur Morshed Chowdhury attended as special guest, while Additional IGP (Crime and Operations) Khondoker Rafiqul Islam delivered the welcome address.
Additional IGP (Administration) AKM Awlad Hossain was also present.
The minister later responded to questions from divisional DIGs, metropolitan police commissioners, additional commissioners and district superintendents of police, and exchanged views with them on crime control and law enforcement strategies.
