Govt Again Extends Magistracy Power for Armed Forces Officers

The government has extended the magistracy power granted to commissioned officers of the armed forces at the rank of captain or higher for another 60 days, according to a circular issued by the Public Administration Ministry today.

Additionally, these powers have been extended to officers on deputation in the Bangladesh Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), further expanding their jurisdiction.

This marks the fourth consecutive extension of such authority, which allows commissioned officers to arrest individuals, place them in custody, and, in cases of self-defense or extreme necessity, open fire as per the law.

The circular, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Jeti Pru, says that the officers will have jurisdiction across Bangladesh and will operate under Section 64 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and other relevant provisions.

Under Section 64, executive or judicial magistrates have the authority to order arrests without a warrant if an offense is committed in their presence. By granting military officers these powers, the government seeks to reinforce law enforcement capabilities.

The decision came at a time when law enforcement presence on the streets significantly diminished following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5, after a mass uprising. 

The circular has taken effect immediately.