The government has extended the executive magistracy powers of commissioned officers of the Bangladesh Army for another two months, according to a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Sunday, July 13.
Under the latest directive, from July 14, officers holding the rank of Captain or above in the Bangladesh Army—including those on deputation to the Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB)—will continue to exercise the powers of Special Executive Magistrates for a period of 60 days.
These officers will be empowered to take necessary legal actions under specific sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), including Sections 64, 65, 83, 84, 86, 95(2), 100, 105, 107, 109, 110, 126, 127, 128, 130, 133, and 142.
This move comes amid ongoing concerns about maintaining public order and stability in the wake of last year’s political turmoil. Following a mass uprising by students and citizens, the Awami League government was ousted on August 5, 2024, and an interim government was formed on August 8.
In light of the deteriorating law and order situation at the time, the armed forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force) were granted executive magistracy powers starting September 17, 2024. Since then, the government has been extending the powers in two-month intervals.
Authorities have emphasized that the extended powers are aimed at ensuring peace, discipline, and swift legal action amid sensitive national circumstances, particularly in the run-up to the next general elections.
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