The Bangladesh government has granted special executive magistrate powers to the army, including in the capital city. This authority has been given specifically to commissioned officers, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Tuesday. The order, which took effect immediately upon its issuance, will remain in place for 60 days.
This decision follows widespread unrest across the country, particularly in Dhaka, triggered by the quota reform movement. On July 19, in response to escalating tensions, the government deployed the army and imposed a curfew. The Awami League government fell on August 5 following a student-led uprising, and an interim government was formed on August 8. Amid the current situation, the army remains deployed nationwide, and their new role as executive magistrates comes amid ongoing concerns about law and order.
Under this directive, army officers can act under several sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure, including sections 64, 65, 83, 84, 86, 95(2), 100, 105, 107, 109, 110, 126, 127, 128, 130, 133, and 142. With these powers, they can arrest or order the arrest of individuals committing crimes in their presence, and take other necessary actions to maintain order.
Professor Asif Nazrul, Adviser on Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs for the Interim Government, explained that the decision was made to address acts of sabotage and threats to national stability, particularly in industrial areas. He emphasized that these powers have been granted temporarily, and the army’s involvement will be scaled back once the situation improves.
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