Army granted executive magistracy powers for two months

This authority has been conferred upon commissioned officers of the army

The Bangladesh Army has been granted the powers of executive magistrates for a period of two months.

This authority that includes arrest and dispersal of unlawful rallies has been conferred upon commissioned officers of the army.

The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification to this end on Tuesday, saying this decision is effective immediately.

The new powers will remain in force for the next 60 days.

Section 17 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, or CrPC, which awards army officers the status of special executive magistrates, says these officers shall be subordinate to the district magistrates, or deputy commissioners.

They will perform duties under Sections 64, 65, 83, 84, 86, 95 (2), 100, 105, 107, 109, 110, 126, 127, 128, 130, 133, and 142 of the CrPC, 1898.

Under these sections, the special executive magistrates will get various powers including orders for arrest and detention, execution of arrest warrants, issuance of search warrants, fining for misconduct and minor offences, exemption from bail, dispersal of illegal assembly, removal of obstacles to immovable property and business establishments and taking necessary action in case of fear of harm to the public.