Army gets magistracy power for 60 days
The army magistrates will conduct their activities in respect of 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
The government has given the power of special executive magistrate to the commissioned officers of the Bangladesh Army.
According to a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration today (17 September), the eligible army officers will be able to act as executive magistrates across the country for the next 60 days.
The army magistrates will conduct their activities in respect of 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).
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Contacted, Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Tapash Kanti Baul told TBS, "The Army didn't have the power to make an arrest without the presence of an executive magistrate. But now they can place anyone under arrest since they can exercise the power vested upon them under Section 65 of the CRPC."
The army, along with other armed forces, has been conducting a joint operation to recover looted arms and ammunition from police stations, outposts and other security establishments since 4 September.
