Dhaka, Sept 12 (V7N) – The government has extended the powers of Special Executive Magistrates for commissioned officers of the rank of captain and above in the Bangladesh Armed Forces for another two months, effective from September 12, according to a notification from the Ministry of Public Administration on Thursday.

The order also applies to army officers of equivalent rank assigned to the Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). During this period, the officers will exercise magistracy powers 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.

The special powers were first granted in September 2024, following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government amid a student uprising. Initially, the authority was given to army officers on September 17, 2024, to stabilize law and order, later extended to officers of the navy and air force from September 30, 2024.

Since then, the government has been renewing the powers every 60 days, citing the need for continued control over the law-and-order situation.

END/SMA/AJ