The government has extended the magistracy power given to commissioned officers of the Bangladesh Army for another 60 days.
The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification in this regard yesterday. The notification was published by the ministry today (16 November).
According to the notification, army officers holding the rank of captain and higher are granted special executive magistracy power across the country. The powers will remain effective for 60 days from the date of the notification, till 14 January.
The power has also been given to military officers working on deputation in the Bangladesh Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh.
Earlier on 17 September, army officers were first granted magistracy power to manage law and order. This authority was later extended to Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force officers from 30 September.
The army magistrates will conduct their activities in respect of offences under Sections 64, 65, 83, 84, 86, 95(2), 100, 105, 107, 109, 110, 126, 127, 128, 130, 133 and 142 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CRPC) 1898.
Under the Code of Criminal Procedure, executive magistrates have the authority to issue arrest orders and perform various judicial functions, including imposing fines and sentences.
Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Tapash Kanti Baul earlier told TBS, “The army didn’t have the power to make an arrest without the presence of an executive magistrate. But now they can place anyone under arrest since they can exercise the power vested upon them under Section 65 of the CRPC.”
