Surge in Illegal Firearms Fuels Anxiety in Jashore

The southwestern border district of Jashore is grappling with a chilling escalation in gun-related violence, sparking widespread fear as the national elections approach. Data reveals a harrowing tally of 243 homicides within the district over the past four years. While various methods were employed in these killings, the targeted use of firearms—specifically the 7.65mm bore pistol—has seen a disturbing rise, claiming 13 lives and leaving candidates and citizens alike on edge.

A Growing Death Toll

The frequency of violence has fluctuated, but the severity remains constant. After a relatively quieter period, 2024 saw a spike with 83 recorded murders. The first week of 2026 has already witnessed three killings, two of which were clinical assassinations involving firearms. This recent activity has turned the spotlight on the porous borders through which these weapons are smuggled.

According to police records, the motives behind these fatalities vary from political rivalry to domestic disputes. However, the common thread in the most high-profile cases is the ease of access to sophisticated small arms.

Jashore Homicide and Firearm Statistics (2022–2026)

The Weapon of Choice: The 7.65mm

Forensic analysis of the 13 fatal shootings reveals that 10 out of 13 murders were carried out using 7.65mm bore pistols. Additional Superintendent of Police, Abul Bashar, noted that the shell casings found at recent crime scenes—including the murder of businessman Rana Pratap Bairagi—confirm the use of this specific calibre.

Although many seized weapons bear “Made in Italy” or “USA” markings, ballistics experts believe they are high-quality imitations manufactured in clandestine workshops near the border. Over the last year alone, police recovered 19 foreign pistols, 290 rounds of ammunition, and several pipe guns during 13 separate raids.

Political Friction and Security Concerns

The administrative confidence expressed by Jashore Police Superintendent Syed Rafiqul Islam, who insists that “no one has the capacity to create a reign of terror,” is not shared by political challengers. Anindya Islam, the BNP candidate for the Jashore-3 constituency, has accused the police of inertia, claiming that illegal arms recovery remains insufficient while the security climate deteriorates.

Echoing these concerns, Iqbal Kabir Zahid, General Secretary of the Revolutionary Communist League, pointed to a deeper issue: the failure to recover weapons looted from police stations during the recent mass uprisings. “As the election nears, the combination of looted arms and smuggled weapons creates a lethal environment,” he warned.

Recent High-Profile Assassinations

The district’s law enforcement committee has been forced into emergency sessions following a string of daylight attacks:

3 January 2026: Alamgir Hossain, a local BNP leader, was gunned down in the Shankerpur area of Jashore city.

5 January 2026: Rana Pratap Bairagi, a businessman, was shot in the head at Kapalia Bazar.

29 January 2025: Abu Hanif, an Awami League activist, was fatally shot in Bagherpara.

As Joint forces (Army, RAB, and Police) continue their sweeps, the residents of Jashore remain in a state of watchful anxiety, hoping that the authorities can successfully plug the border leaks before the electoral period descends into further bloodshed.