The interim government has extended the magistracy powers granted to the armed forces for nearly another four months, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Tuesday.
Under the new extension order, issued under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, the extended period will run from 12 November to 28 February next year, the notification states.
“It will come into effect immediately,” noted the official order.
The order extends the magistracy powers to army officers on deputation in the Bangladesh Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh, allowing them to exercise the same authority during this period.
This extension comes as the interim government prepares to hold the 13th national election in the first half of February next year.
Upon assuming office, the interim government initially granted the magistracy powers to commissioned army officers for 60 days on 17 September last year, with the aim of improving law and order. This was later extended on 12 January, 13 March, 13 May, and 13 July this year.
Following violent clashes across the country related to the quota reform movement, the ousted Awami League government, led by Sheikh Hasina, deployed the army on 19 July last year to manage the unrest.
The powers granted under Sections 12(1) and 17 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, empower commissioned officers to act as executive magistrates for specified periods to support civil administration in maintaining public order.
