Dhaka, Jan. 19 -- Bangladesh has set a deadline for depositing registered weapons ahead of the parliamentary elections.

The restriction, however, will not apply to election candidates themselves.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notice on Monday, stating: "In order to conduct the elections in a free, fair and peaceful manner, registered weapons must be surrendered to the nearest police station by the 31st of January."

The notice said, according to the announced schedule, the carrying and display of firearms by licensed individuals will be completely prohibited until Feb 15.

"In the interest of politically important individuals and candidates running for parliamentary seats, the directive restricting the display of registered fire...