• Banned in 2021 under Wildlife Act with limited exemptions
• Experts say around 80% users fall outside legal categories
• Only 231 arrests recorded since 2012 wildlife hunting cases
• Still sold online and offline Tk10,000-Tk100,000 without verification
A few days ago, law enforcers seized seven sacks of dead migratory birds along with an airgun used for hunting, other weapons and 63 rounds of bullets from the Mathabhanga area of Gazaria upazila in Munshiganj.
Recalling the incident that took place on the night of 26 March, eyewitness Arman Hossain said, “The way they came for hunting was no less than preparation for a war. They killed several thousand migratory birds in a single day.”
He added that, based on their estimate, the seven sacks of birds would weigh more than four maunds.
This incident once again highlights growing concerns over the easy availability and use of airguns in illegal activities across the country.
Despite this, airguns continue to be sold widely both offline and online. Several social media pages, including “Airgun Collection BD”, “Airgun Pandit” and “Airgun Bangladesh”, are openly advertising these weapons. Prices range from Tk10,000 to Tk100,000. Buyers can purchase them through cash on delivery or partial payment, without any verification or licence.
Amid rising concern over enforcement gaps, animal welfare groups have raised questions about regulation and monitoring.
Bangladesh Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) Convener Adnan Azad expressed concern over the situation, questioning how such weapons are still being used without proper control and licensing.
“An illegal weapon is being sold openly without any control. Law enforcement agencies should strengthen monitoring and take necessary steps.” he said.
To control the use of such weapons, the government banned the use and carrying of airguns on 14 December, 2021, under Section 49 of the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued a gazette notification in this regard.
However, the ban allows limited exceptions. Registered shooting clubs under the National Shooting Federation and people living near forest areas are exempted due to security, daily needs and social practices.
Despite these legal measures, concerns remain over enforcement on the ground. According to the Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU), only 231 people have been arrested in cases related to wildlife hunting since July 2012, highlighting weak enforcement.
Dr Md Omar Faruk, Chairman of Criminology and Police Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science & Technology University (MBSTU) said, “Even among licensed users, airguns are often misused. Those who hold licences sometimes use political influence to obtain them for increasing personal power.”
He added, “The legal basis for using airguns in Bangladesh is limited to members of registered shooting clubs under the Bangladesh Shooting Federation or for self-defence by people living in forest areas. But our research shows that nearly 80 percent of airgun users in Bangladesh do not fall under these categories.”
He further added that illegal entry of such weapons is also a major concern.
“Beyond licensed misuse, there is also a large amount of illegal weapons. A significant number of airguns enter the country from India through border routes. Since the new government has come into power, this issue should be addressed seriously. Otherwise, not only wildlife but also human lives could be at risk.”, he added.
Supreme Court lawyer Jabed Arafath said airguns fall under locally made weapons and need to be brought under strict regulation.
“At one time, these airguns were common in households. Though their use has declined over the years, they are still in circulation. Since they are illegal, they must be properly regulated.”, he said.
He also stressed the need for stronger legal action, saying that strict penalties could help reduce their use.
“Selling airguns online without any verification is dangerous. The government should take steps, such as issuing a directive to surrender all airguns to the nearest police station within a fixed time.”, he added.
WCCU’s Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Officer Rathindra Kumar Biswas said they are continuing monitoring to prevent the use of airguns.
“Whenever we receive information, we conduct drives. We are also coordinating with other agencies, especially Border Guard Bangladesh, to stop illegal smuggling of these weapons.”, he added.
