Army gets magistracy powers ahead of AL anniversary

The government has again granted special executive magistracy powers to selected armed forces officers ahead of the anniversary of the banned Awami League, with the authority set to remain effective until June 30.

The Ministry of Public Administration issued a gazette notification in this regard on Monday.

According to the notification, commissioned officers of the Bangladesh Army holding the rank of captain and above, including equivalent officers serving on deputation with the Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), have been empowered as special executive magistrates under Sections 12(1) and 17 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.

The authorised officers will be able to exercise powers under various sections of the Criminal Procedure Code, including provisions related to arrest, preventive measures, search, seizure and maintaining public order.

The magistracy powers will be applicable in Dhaka, Chattogram and Gazipur metropolitan areas, as well as Narayanganj, Gopalganj and Faridpur districts.

The powers will remain in force from June 22 to June 30, 2026, according to the notification.

Last year, army personnel were also deployed with magistracy powers during the Awami League’s founding anniversary amid security concerns.

TZ