Govt Extends Armed Forces' Magistracy Power for Another 60 Days

The government has extended the special magistracy powers granted to the armed forces for an additional two months, effective from March 15. This means commissioned officers of the rank of Captain and above will continue to exercise special executive magistrate powers for another 60 days.

Jeti Pru, Senior Assistant Secretary of the Deputation-2 branch of the Ministry of Public Administration, confirmed the extension in a notification issued on Thursday (March 13).

According to the notification, under Sections 12(1) and 17 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, special executive magistrate powers are authorized nationwide for the designated period. Commissioned officers of the rank of Captain and above, including those on deputation in the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Coast Guard, will have the authority to take action 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.

This order, issued with the President’s approval, is in the public interest and takes effect immediately.

The armed forces were first granted these magistracy powers for 60 days on September 17, 2024. The government later extended them twice, for two months each, on November 15 and January 12.