Local Government and Rural Development Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain is facing mounting questions over the legality of his firearm licence, which critics allege was obtained in “gross violation of the rules” and through the “misuse of power”.
This comes after a magazine containing ammunition was discovered in his bag at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) on Sunday morning.Adviser Asif Mahmud has publicly stated that he possesses a licensed weapon for his personal security. However, obtaining a personal firearm licence in the country necessitates fulfilling specific rules and conditions.
A key requirement for such licences dictates that a physically and mentally fit person aged between 30 and 70 years is eligible for applying for a firearm licence. Besides, the applicants, particularly for pistols, revolvers or rifles, must provide a certificate issued by the National Board of Revenue, verifying a continuous record of paying Tk3 lakh annually in income tax for three consecutive years prior to the application. For shotguns, this threshold is Tk1 lakh annually.
It remains to be seen whether Adviser Asif Mahmud meets these mandatory prerequisites.According to his biography posted on the official website of the Local Government Division, he was born on 14 July 1999.Expatriate journalist Zulkarnain Saer Khan has also raised question about the source of Asif Mahmud’s money for buying the firearm, sharing the screenshot of the eligibility criteria in a Facebook post.

“If Adviser Asif enjoys any special exemption from this income tax clause due to his ministerial rank, then concerns regarding the source of funds for purchasing the weapon, and its point of acquisition, would also warrant clarification.”
Asked about the violation of the Arms Act by the adviser, rights activist Advocate Manzill Murshid questioned whether Asif Mahmud told the truth at all.“They can obtain a firearm licence even if they do not fulfil the criteria, as they can do whatever they like. Their acts will be the rules, and they do not need to show any respect to the law. The country is not run by any law. They have established a mobocracy and a system to secure their personal interests, keeping Prof Muhammad Yunus in the front,” he told the Daily Sun.
Speaking about the attempt to enter the airport with a magazine, Manzill Murshid said when Ekushey Television Chairman Abdus Salam was caught with a magazine, he was arrested and a case was filed against him.
“But who will arrest the adviser? If the police arrest him, his fellow students will appear as a mob and beat the police to death,” he said, adding that the trial for the incident will take place when the people will rise again. Manzill Murshid, also the president of Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh, said the advisers like Asif Mahmud are ruining the aspirations of the countrymen who dreamt of a new dawn, leaving all corrupt practices behind.The adviser was en route to Morocco via Turkey to attend the “OIC Youth Capital 2025” event. Group Captain SM Ragib Samad, Executive Director of HSIA, confirmed the discovery of the magazine, stating, “The magazine was found in his (Asif’s) bag during the pre-boarding security scan.”Upon discovery, Adviser Asif explained that the magazine had been placed in his bag by mistake, apologised for the incident, and handed the item over to his protocol officer, according to the HSIA executive director.

In a subsequent Facebook post, Asif Mahmud elaborated: “I have a licensed and legal weapon for security reasons. It is normal to keep it with me as there have been several assassination attempts on the leadership of the mass uprising. When there is no government protocol or security, it is necessary to keep a licensed weapon to ensure the safety of myself and my family.”
He reiterated his destination for the “OIC Youth Capital” event and described the oversight: “While packing in the morning, I left a magazine with the weapon, but by mistake another magazine remained in the bag. After the scan, I handed it over to my protocol officer.”Adviser Asif also dismissed allegations of attempting to suppress media coverage, noting his inability to be online for extended periods due to travel. He concluded by stating, “If you have a security risk as a citizen, you can also get a weapon licence by following the proper rules.”
Asked about the security the police provide to an adviser, a former deputy inspector general of police said generally a gunman from the Special Branch is always engaged in the protection.In case of any threat, an additional police vehicle with 4-6 personnel escorts him/her. If they move outside Dhaka, they get similar security protocol. If any adviser goes on a foreign trip, security is provided up to the airport. When they reach the foreign country, security agencies of the respective country takes the responsibility for the security.