Wed Nov 05 16:30:35 UTC 2025: News Article Summary:
Bangladesh is offering cash rewards for the return of weapons looted from police armories during the August 2024 uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Thousands of firearms went missing, and authorities are hoping to recover them before the upcoming elections in February 2026. The rewards range from $4,000 for a machine gun to $400 for a shotgun or pistol. Simultaneously, an investigation continues into a devastating fire at the Dhaka airport cargo complex, where a vault containing arms and valuables was found open after the blaze. The government has requested foreign assistance in determining the fire’s cause and investigating potential arms theft.
Rewritten News Article:
Bangladesh Offers Cash Rewards for Stolen Weapons Amid Political Turmoil
Dhaka, Bangladesh – November 5, 2025 – In a move aimed at reclaiming thousands of firearms looted during last year’s uprising, the Bangladeshi government announced today a cash reward program for the surrender of stolen weapons. The initiative comes as the nation prepares for elections slated for February 2026 amidst ongoing political instability.
An estimated 6,000 firearms vanished from police armories during the August 2024 unrest that led to the ouster of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Police spokesman AHM Shahadat Hossaine stated that over 1,300 weapons remain unaccounted for, prompting the offer of substantial cash incentives.
Rewards range from upwards of $4,000 for the return of a light machine gun, down to $800 for an assault rifle, and $400 for a shotgun or pistol. “Bangladesh Police guarantee full confidentiality,” Hossaine assured, urging citizens to participate.
The political landscape has been fraught with violence since Hasina’s removal, with Dhaka-based rights group Odhikar reporting nearly 300 deaths linked to political clashes, in addition to over 150 deaths in mob violence.
Adding to the nation’s woes, authorities are also investigating a devastating fire that ripped through the cargo complex of Dhaka’s main international airport on October 18. Bushra Islam, a senior official at Biman Bangladesh Airlines, revealed that a vault, designed to hold arms and valuables, was found open after the blaze. The incident has raised concerns about potential arms theft from the airport.
“It is not clear how many arms have gone missing, if any,” Islam stated.
A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, confirmed the discovery of the open vault. The government has requested assistance from foreign experts to investigate the cause of the fire and the potential loss of weapons.
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