Magazine of licensed gun packed in bag unintentionally: Asif

Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD), Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, has clarified that the magazine of his licensed firearm found in his bag at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport was packed unintentionally.

In a Facebook post late Sunday evening, Asif Mahmud addressed the media reports that surfaced following the incident.

He wrote, “I possess a licensed and legal firearm for safety reasons. Given the multiple assassination attempts on the leadership of the mass uprising, it is natural to keep it. When there is no government protocol or security detail, I keep this licensed weapon solely to ensure the safety of myself and my family.”

Asif Mahmud said he had a flight at 6:50 AM on Sunday to participate in the ‘OIC Youth Capital International Programme’ in Marrakech, Morocco. “While packing early in the morning, although I left the firearm and one magazine behind, another magazine mistakenly remained in my bag. When it was detected during scanning, I handed it over to my protocol officer. The matter was entirely unintentional,” he added.

“What could I possibly do with just a magazine? If I had any ill intentions, I certainly wouldn’t have left the weapon behind,” he wrote, noting that although nothing illegal was involved, the incident has sparked widespread discussion.

The adviser also dismissed allegations that he pressured to remove news reports about the matter, calling such claims “completely false.” He added, “After this incident, my team and I were on a nearly 10-hour flight. I only became aware of the developments much later during transit when I went online.”

“As a citizen, if you face security risks, you can apply for a firearm license by following the proper legal procedures,” he concluded.

Airport officials, citing Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) regulations, said carrying an ammunition magazine in cabin baggage is prohibited. However, no further action was taken as Asif Mahmud was found to have a valid gun license.

According to the Arms Act, 1878, applicants seeking a license for a pistol, revolver, or rifle must have paid a minimum of Tk 3 lakh in income tax each year for the three tax years preceding their application.

However, section 32 of the law exempts certain high-ranking officials, including the speaker, deputy speaker, ministers, and individuals holding equivalent ranks, from this tax payment requirement when obtaining a firearms license.