Illegal airgun trade persists

The use and illegal trade of air guns continue across Bangladesh despite a 2021 ban amid raising concerns over wildlife protection and law enforcement gaps.

Recently, law enforcers seized seven sacks of dead migratory birds, along with an airgun, other weapons and 63 rounds of pellets from the Mathabhanga area of Gazaria upazila in the district.

Recalling the incident on the night of 26 March, eyewitness Arman Hossain said the hunters appeared heavily equipped. “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 said.

The Daily Sun found out that these weapons were still widely sold both online and offline, mostly without any form of verification or licence.

Multiple social media pages advertised airguns with prices ranging from Tk10,000 to Tk100,000 and payment options including cash on delivery.

Regarding this, animal welfare groups raised concerns over weak monitoring and enforcement.
Bangladesh Animal Welfare Association (BAWA) Convener Adnan Azad said illegal weapons were being sold openly without adequate control. “Law enforcement agencies should strengthen monitoring and take necessary steps.”

The government banned the use and carrying of airguns on 14 December 2021 under Section 49 of the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act, 2012, through a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

However, the law allows limited exemptions for members of registered shooting clubs under the Bangladesh Shooting Sports Federation (BSSF) and for people living near forest areas for security and livelihood purposes.
Despite these provisions, enforcement remains weak. According to the Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU), only 231 people have been arrested in wildlife hunting-related cases since July 2012. 

Dr Omar Faruk, chairman of criminology department at Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, said misuse was widespread even among licensed users.

“Those with licences sometimes use political influence to obtain them for personal power,” he said.
He added that nearly 80% of airgun users in Bangladesh fall outside the legally permitted categories.
“A significant number of airguns enter the country from India through border routes. If not addressed, this poses risks not only to wildlife but also to human safety,” he said.

Supreme Court lawyer Jabed Arafath said airguns should be brought under stricter regulation. “Although their use has declined over time, they remain in circulation. Since they are illegal, enforcement must be strengthened.” 

He also called for stronger legal action, including penalties and measures such as directing owners to surrender airguns to police within a fixed timeframe. “Selling these weapons online without verification is dangerous,” he added.

Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Officer of the WCCU Rathindra Kumar Biswas said monitoring efforts are ongoing. “We conduct drives whenever we receive information and coordinate with agencies such as Border Guard Bangladesh to curb illegal smuggling,” he said.

The reporter can be reached at: [email protected]