The government has given the power of executive magistrate to the commissioned officers of the Bangladesh Army in order to improve law and order.
The eligible army officers will be able to act as executive magistrates across the country for the next 60 days, according to Section 12(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code of 1898.
The Ministry of Public Administration issued a gazette notification in this regard on Tuesday.
The army magistrates will oversee activities related to offences under Sections 64, 65, 83, 84, 86, 95(2), 100, 105, 107, 109, 110, 126, 127, 128, 130, 133 and 142 of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898 (CRPC), the notification said.
Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister on August 5, the day of the ‘March to Dhaka’ programme called by the anti-discrimination student movement. The next day, on August 6, the President dissolved the 12th National Parliament. The interim government was sworn in on August 8.
When the quota reform movement reached its peak, a curfew was issued on July 19, and the army was deployed. Massive clashes occurred between students and the police in various parts of the country, including the capital. Many police personnel were injured, along with civilians. Several police stations were set on fire, and weapons were looted. Police across the country went on strike after August 5, leading to a significant deterioration in the law and order situation.
Later, the government set a deadline for the police to return to work. However, many policemen have still not joined, and the police stations have not been able to operate at full capacity. The law and order situation has not yet returned to normal. Therefore, the army is being granted the power of executive magistrate to help restore order, according to concerned officials.