BNP leader draws criticism after posing with shotgun during visit to injured activist

A local leader of the BNP has come under criticism on social media after a photo of him holding a shotgun during a visit to an injured party activist in Sitakunda, Chattogram, went viral.

The photo shows BNP leader Abu Taher sitting on a sofa beside the injured activist, along with several others, holding the shotgun.

The image began circulating on social media yesterday (2 March), triggering debate over the public display of firearms.

Sitakunda Model Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Md Alamgir told The Business Standard that the shotgun is licensed.

“The firearm is licensed. At the time, only his driver was in the car, so he did not leave it there. He carried it with him for security reasons. There was no other intention,” Alamgir said.

When contacted, Abu Taher said it is normal for him to carry his licensed firearm.

He alleged that some individuals affiliated with the Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir were spreading disinformation on Facebook without understanding the matter.

According to local sources, Taher visited the residence of Nur Chhapa Sabu, president of Ward-3 BNP of Syedpur union in Sitakunda upazila, who was recently injured in a road accident. The visit took place on Saturday (28 February). Before leaving, Taher took the photo.

Under Bangladeshi law, there are regulations governing the display and carrying of licensed firearms in public. The authority to issue, regulate and control firearm licences lies with the government and district administration under the Arms Act.

Conditions attached to firearm licences, as well as administrative directives issued by the home ministry, generally state that licensed firearms must not be displayed publicly. If carried for self-defence, they must remain concealed. Public display, intimidation or unnecessary carrying of firearms may be considered a breach of law and order.

Authorities can suspend or cancel a licence in case of violations, and in serious instances, criminal proceedings may also be initiated.