Interim govt extends armed forces' executive magistracy powers till February
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration today (11 November), the powers will remain effective from 12 November to 28 February
The interim government has extended the tenure of executive magistracy powers granted to the armed forces by another three and a half months.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration today (11 November), the powers will remain effective from 12 November to 28 February.
The extension also applies to army officers serving on deputation with the Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), allowing them to exercise the same authority during this period.
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Earlier, on 17 September 2024, army officers were first granted executive magistracy powers to assist in maintaining law and order across the country. The authority was later extended to officers of the Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force from 30 September.
Subsequent extensions followed on 16 November 2024, the government prolonged the powers for 60 days, again on 12 January 2025 for another 60 days, and once more on 14 May for a further two months, marking the fourth extension.
The powers conferred under Sections 12(1) and 17 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, empower commissioned officers to act as executive magistrates for specified durations to support civil administration in maintaining public order.
Following the change of government in August last year, when the Awami League-led administration was ousted, the interim government authorised members of the armed forces to carry out executive magistracy functions to help ensure law and order nationwide. Since then, the tenure of these powers has been periodically extended.
