657 Judges Appointed for Swift Electoral Offence Trials

In preparation for the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, the government has appointed 657 judges as judicial magistrates for a five-day period from 10 to 14 February to ensure the rapid adjudication of election-related offences before, during, and immediately after polling.

The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, through its Law and Justice Division, has forwarded the list of nominated judicial magistrates to the Election Commission Secretary. According to the official letter, these magistrates will be deployed across the 300 parliamentary constituencies to oversee electoral offences in accordance with the law.

The appointment schedule covers: two days prior to the election (10–11 February), election day itself (12 February), and the two subsequent days (13–14 February). During this period, the magistrates will have full judicial authority to investigate and try election-related offences swiftly.

The official communication further states that, in consultation with the Supreme Court, these 657 judges of the Bangladesh Judicial Service have been appointed under the supervision of the Election Commission Secretariat. Their powers derive from the Representation of the People Order, 1972, which mandates the prompt handling of electoral offences.

Under this order, magistrates are authorised to try offences summarily, while taking necessary legal measures under the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898, for any electoral misconduct. This mechanism is designed to deter violations and maintain law and order during the sensitive election period.

Earlier, on 3 February, the Ministry of Public Administration had appointed 1,051 Executive Magistrates nationwide to maintain law and order and manage administrative operations during the elections. These executive magistrates will operate mobile courts in their respective jurisdictions from 8 to 14 February.

The coordinated deployment of judicial and executive magistrates is part of a broader effort to ensure transparent, fair, and secure elections, allowing voters to cast their ballots without fear of intimidation or malpractice.

Key Details of Judicial Magistrate Deployment

This robust judicial framework underscores the government’s commitment to a smooth electoral process and swift justice for any violations.