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The government has granted special executive magisterial powers to commissioned officers of the rank of Captain and above in the Army across six districts, aimed at controlling potential unauthorized activities and maintaining law and order, particularly around the anniversary of the Awami League political party.
This information was announced on Monday (June 22) in a gazette notification issued by the Deputation-2 branch of the Ministry of Public Administration.
According to the notification, this order will remain effective from June 22 to June 30 in the Dhaka Metropolitan Area, Chattogram Metropolitan Area, Gazipur Metropolitan Area, Narayanganj District, Gopalganj District, and Faridpur District.
The Ministry stated that relevant army officers have been vested with special executive magisterial powers under sections 12(1) and 17 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898. Simultaneously, officers of equivalent rank on deputation to the Bangladesh Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will also be under the purview of these powers.
The notification further mentioned that they will be able to exercise magisterial powers for crimes and situations falling 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.
Concerned sources stated that this measure has been taken with the aim of preventing potential gatherings, protests, or deterioration of the law and order situation, and ensuring public safety on the occasion of the Awami League’s anniversary.