Dhaka, July 13 (V7N) – The government has extended the special magisterial powers of commissioned officers in the Bangladesh Armed Forces for another 60 days, effective from July 14.

A notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Sunday confirmed the extension, granting Captain-level and higher-ranking officers of the Army, as well as officers of equivalent rank in the Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the authority to act as Special Executive Magistrates across the country.

The powers have been granted under Sections 12(1) and 17 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, enabling these officers to perform magisterial duties in line with maintaining law and order.

Jurisdiction and Applicable Laws

According to the notification, the designated officers may exercise authority nationwide and can act on offenses specified under the following sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure:
Sections 64, 65, 83, 84, 86, 95(2), 100, 105, 107, 109, 110, 126, 127, 128, 130, 133, and 142.

These provisions cover a range of powers including preventive measures, dispersal of unlawful assemblies, and dealing with public nuisances and urgent threats to public order.

Background

This temporary empowerment of armed forces personnel was first introduced on September 17, 2024, as part of the government’s initiative to bolster field-level administrative control and security. The tenure was extended multiple times, with the current order continuing the practice for another two months.

The government has stated that the decision comes in light of maintaining peace, controlling unrest, and ensuring stability during critical periods.

END/RH/AJ