Magistracy power for military forces extended once again

 
In Bangladesh, the interim government has once again extended the magistracy power of commissioned officers in the Army, Navy and Air Force by another 60 days with effect from Monday. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification to this effect on Sunday.

According to the notification, commissioned officers holding the rank of captain and above in the Bangladesh Armed Forces have been granted special executive magistrate powers across the country.

Military officers serving on deputation in the Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have also been vested with the same authority.

The interim government initially granted the magistracy power to commissioned army officers on September 17 last year for 60 days to improve law and order. It was subsequently extended on January 12, March 13 and May 13 this year, different media agencies have reported.

It may be recalled that the Anti-Discriminatory Students' Movement ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her party Awami League from power on 5 August 2024. An interim government took oath on 8 August 2024 headed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Later on Awami League was declared a banned outfit through court orders.
 
Overthrown Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina escaped to India in August last year. Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force were deployed right after the July Revolution took place alongside Police Department to keep law and order situation under control.