The Osman-Gazi family did not submit the firearms

Although the prescribed time for depositing firearms has passed, 55 weapons have not yet been deposited with the law and order forces in Narayanganj. Most of whose weapons belong to the family of Shamim Osman and Golam Dastgir Gazi.

Earlier, after the interim government took over, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a directive on August 25 ordering all civilians to submit licensed weapons and ammunition. The last day of which was last September 3.

Earlier, on July 19, Shamim Osman and his forces opened fire on the protesting students demanding quota reform on Bangabandhu road in Narayanganj city. Conscious residents of the city have demanded the recovery of these weapons in the operation of the joint forces to recover these weapons.

According to Narayanganj district administration sources, 737 arms licenses were given in the district since independence. Among these, after the formation of the Awami League government in January 2009, a total of 321 arms licenses were granted for four consecutive periods until August 5, 2024. However, after the announcement of the interim government, the district administration has already suspended 191 arms licenses issued to civilians. Among them, 102 shotguns and guns, 67 pistols, 14 rifles and 8 revolvers. However, 136 weapons have been deposited in different police stations of the district, but 55 weapons have not yet been deposited.

Among them, Shamim Osman, the former Member of Parliament of Narayanganj-4 Constituency and his family members have eight firearms which they have not submitted. Therefore, the district administration has declared these weapons illegal. Shamim Osman, his brother Salim Osman, son Imtinan Osman Ayan and brother-in-law Tanveer Ahmed Titu and late member of parliament Sarah Begum Kabri are also named in the list of non-surrender of weapons. Shah Nizam, the joint secretary of Metropolitan Awami League, known as a close follower of Shamim Osman, and Niazul Islam Khan, a cadre of Jubo League, also did not surrender their arms.

Apart from this, there are also in the list of those who have not laid down their arms, the former textile and jute minister of Awami League government Golam Dastgir Gazi, his wife Hashina Gazi, the recent mayor of Tarab Municipality, the elder son Gazi Golam Murtaza and the younger son Gazi Golam Asriao. Four shotgun licenses were issued in their name in 2017. They also had a pistol license in their name.

Earlier, on January 16, 2018, the former mayor of Narayanganj City Corporation was involved in a clash over the hawker issue. Nizam and Niazul, who are known to be close followers of Shamim Osman, opened fire on Selina Hayat Ivy. Although the police acquitted two of them from the case filed in that incident, Niazul's pistol license was canceled by District Magistrate Mohammad Mahmudul Haque in September last year.

It is alleged that Shamim Osman's nephew Ajmeri Osman and his forces also have several illegal weapons. Often they would exercise in the city with arms. Although Ajmeri Osman did not have any arms license. Last year, he applied for a shotgun and pistol license from the district administration but did not get the approval.

Apart from the Osman-Gazi family, Rupganj Upazila Bhulta UP Chairman Ariful Haque Bhuiyan, Rangdhanu Group Chairman Rafiqul Islam and Munshiganj District Jatiya Party President Zainal Abedin did not surrender their weapons.

Narayanganj District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mahmudul Haque said that those who did not submit firearms within the stipulated time, those weapons have been listed as illegal. A joint operation is underway to recover weapons.

Bangladesh /KH