A case has been filed against former state minister for information and communication technology, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, under the Arms Act for failing to surrender his licensed firearms within the government-mandated deadline.
Sub-inspector Abul Kalam Azad lodged the case with Singra police station in Natore Wednesday night, confirmed officer-in-charge Asmaul Haque.
According to the case statement, the interim government had directed all licensed firearms issued between the 2008 national elections and August 5, 2023, to be surrendered by September 3, 2023. The order was part of a broader effort to ensure accountability and security ahead of the 2024 national elections.
Palak allegedly failed to submit a pistol and a shotgun registered in his name, prompting legal action under the Arms Act, 1878. The case comes following a seven-month delay in compliance.
Palak, a former Awami League lawmaker, is currently in jail in connection with multiple cases, including charges of murder and attempted murder related to the July uprising.
Records from the judicial wing of the Natore district magistrate鈥檚 office indicate that 95 firearms licenses were issued across seven police stations in Natore between 2008 and 2024. Most of these were granted to ministers, lawmakers, and senior leaders of the ruling Awami League during their time in government.
While 89 of the licensed firearms were surrendered by the September 3 deadline through authorised representatives, Palak failed to comply with the directive.
