Government extends armed forces’ magistracy powers for sixth time

New order will take effect from Sept 12

The interim government has extended by another 60 days the executive magistracy powers granted to officers of the armed forces for a sixth term.

The decision was confirmed in a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Thursday.

It said that Army captains and officers of higher rank -- including those deputed to the Bangladesh Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) -- will continue to exercise the powers of special executive magistrates for two more months.

The extension will take effect on Sept 12.

The authority covers 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.

The Army had been deployed across the country since the mass uprising that led to the ousting of the Awami League government.

After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime on Aug 5 last year, curfews were lifted, but military personnel remained in the field to help restore the deteriorating law and order. They later took part in joint-force operations.

While the authority was initially granted only to Army personnel, it was later extended to commissioned officers of the Navy and Air Force as well.

A separate notification clarified that the powers would apply to all branches of the armed forces.

The tenure of these powers was first extended in November, then for a second time in January, a third in March, a fourth in May, and a fifth in July this year, each for 60 days.