Licences under the Explosives Act 1884 and the Explosives Rules are issued by the Department of Explosives, headed by the Chief Inspector of Explosives, under the Energy and Mineral Resources Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. Depending on the activity and location, other authorities are also involved, including the district administration, the police and security agencies, the Department of Environment, the fire service and local authorities. We identify every body involved for a given project, because a missing approval from any of them can delay operations even when the explosives licence itself is granted.

Licences are generally issued to a person or entity in Bangladesh with responsibility for licensed premises and activities. A foreign contractor without a local presence will usually need a Bangladeshi entity, a registered branch or a licensed local partner or subcontractor. Investment and branch registrations, now handled through Invest Bangladesh, trade licences and tax registrations must be in place first. The structure affects liability, insurance and control over the explosives. We advise foreign contractors on the options early, so that explosives licensing does not hold up mobilisation. The chosen structure should be settled before tendering.

A magazine licence application typically includes a site plan showing safety distances from buildings, roads, power lines and other installations, construction drawings meeting prescribed standards, details of the maximum quantity and types of explosives to be stored, security and fire protection arrangements, and the name and qualifications of the person in charge. Inspectors usually examine the site before approval. Problems commonly arise where land is acquired before safety distances are checked. We coordinate with engineers so the legal application reflects a site that can actually be approved. Site selection is the decisive step.

Transport of explosives is regulated, and licences or permits are generally needed covering the vehicle, the route or movement, quantities, packaging, escort and security arrangements. Transport from a port to a magazine, from a magazine to a blasting site, and between sites can each raise requirements. Carriers and drivers must meet conditions, and incidents during transport carry serious consequences. Contracts with logistics providers should require compliance and allocate responsibility clearly. We review the explosives licensing position for each movement in the client's supply chain. Each movement must be covered. Route planning should be documented.

Timing depends on the licence category, the quality of the application, site inspection scheduling and consultation with other agencies. Simple renewals can move relatively quickly, while new magazines and import licences take longer, especially where security clearance is required. We do not quote fixed timelines because they vary. For project planning, we recommend starting explosives licensing as soon as the site and the responsible entity are known, and building realistic regulatory time and float into the construction programme and the contract. Delay clauses should reflect this. Explosives licensing delay is a foreseeable project risk.

Unlicensed manufacture, possession, storage, transport or use of explosives is an offence under the Explosives Act and can also engage the Explosive Substances Act 1908, which carries severe penalties. Explosives can be seized, sites closed and individuals prosecuted. Lapsed licences, use beyond licensed quantities and storage at unlicensed premises are all treated seriously. Directors and managers should understand that personal exposure is possible. We advise on immediate corrective steps if a lapse is discovered and represent clients in any resulting investigation or prosecution. Quick legal advice protects individuals. Lapses should never be ignored.

Fireworks and pyrotechnic articles generally fall within the explosives framework, and their manufacture, import, storage and sale require licences, with particular attention to retail storage and public safety. Event organisers and importers of display fireworks should confirm the position well in advance, as approvals may also be needed from the police and local administration. Safety flares and pyrotechnics carried on vessels or used in industry may raise their own questions. We advise on the licences needed for each activity and the conditions typically attached. Seasonal demand needs planning ahead. Retail sellers face particular scrutiny.

Surplus, deteriorated or unused explosives must be dealt with in accordance with licence conditions and the rules, which may mean return to the supplier, transfer to another licensee with approval, or destruction under supervision. Licences may also need to be surrendered or amended when a magazine closes. Contracts should address these steps, including costs and responsibilities, before work begins. We advise on demobilisation planning for contractors leaving Bangladesh so that explosives licensing obligations are closed out properly and no residual liability remains. Final reports should be kept on file. Documents should be retained afterwards.