Govt to raise firearm licence fees under revised policy
The revised fee structure, already approved by the Finance Division, is expected to come into effect after the Home Ministry issues an updated firearms licensing policy incorporating the new rates.
Highlights:
- Some licence and renewal charges to double
- Finance Division approves Home Ministry proposal
- Revised firearms policy to be issued soon
- Changes aimed at boosting revenue and oversight
The government is set to increase fees for issuing and renewing firearm licences, with some charges proposed to be doubled under a revised policy to increase revenue collection and ensure 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 fees, said a senior home ministry official on condition of anonymity.
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The Finance Division has approved the proposal, according to him.
The revised policy incorporating the new fee structure will be issued soon as these fees are specified in the policy itself, he said.
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, according to home ministry officials.
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 must pay Tk100,000 to have a licence for long-barrel firearms, compared with the current Tk50,000. The renewal fee will be doubled, from Tk10,000 to Tk20,000.
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 duplicate licences and delayed licence renewals will also be increased under the policy.
According to home ministry officials, the proposed policy 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.
