Unaccounted Looted Arms Raise Concerns Over Election Violence in Bangladesh

Approximately 15% of firearms and 30% of ammunition looted during Bangladesh's 2024 unrest remain unaccounted for, raising concerns about increased gun violence ahead of the February 12 national elections. Over 5,700 firearms and 650,000 rounds were stolen from law enforcement facilities during the July-August uprising that toppled the Sheikh Hasina government. Security experts warn that politically motivated shootings have risen amid weak law enforcement capacity, while the government maintains control over the situation.