Narsingdi, Jan. 20 -- As the country gears up for the national election, Narsingdi is witnessing a surge in the use of illegal firearms, raising serious concerns about public safety and the polls environment.

In char areas of the district where fights once meant sticks and locally-made weapons, gunfights have now become common.

Locals said criminal gangs armed with looted and smuggled weapons are locked in violent conflicts over political dominance, extortion, drugs and the illegal sand trade.

A series of murders and clashes over the past year has deepened public fear and shaken confidence in law enforcement's ability to keep the peace, police said.

Of particular concern is the cache looted from Narsingdi District Jail during July 19,...