Bangladesh Gun Owners Association Demands Withdrawal of Proposed Advance Income Tax and Fee Hikes

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The Bangladesh Licensed Firearm Owners Welfare Association has formally demanded the immediate withdrawal of proposed advance income taxes and additional fees levied on legal weapon holders. During a press conference held Tuesday at the Jatiya Press Club, representatives of the organization argued that the new fiscal measures are unreasonable and place an undue financial burden on citizens who maintain licensed firearms for security and sporting purposes.

Under the current budget proposal, individuals possessing pistols or revolvers would face an annual advance income tax of 100,000 taka, while owners of shotguns and rifles would be required to pay 50,000 taka. Association leaders contend that these figures are unsustainable and urged the government to adopt a more realistic and security-conscious fee structure developed in consultation with stakeholders.

The association, led by convener Arif Ul Islam, emphasized that imposing such significant tax hikes during the current economic climate is counterproductive. Beyond the immediate financial impact, spokespersons for the group warned that the policy could inadvertently undermine public safety. They argued that legal firearm owners often serve as a deterrent to criminal activity, and forcing them to surrender their licenses due to prohibitive costs could embolden criminal elements.

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Addressing the international context, association spokesperson Mahbub E. Khoda noted that there is no precedent in developed or developing nations for imposing advance income taxes on firearm ownership. He pointed out that existing renewal fees—currently set at 20,000 taka for handguns and 10,000 taka for long guns—are already among the highest in the world.

The organization also expressed concern regarding the future of national sports, noting that the increased costs threaten to discourage aspiring athletes. They warned that if potential shooters are priced out of the sport, it would lead to a decline in shooting club memberships and a subsequent loss of revenue for the state. The association concluded its briefing by calling for the simplification of the licensing and renewal process to ensure that the regulatory framework remains accessible to qualified citizens.