The interim government has once again extended the executive magistracy powers of officers from the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force for another 60 days, with the new tenure commencing on 15 March.
The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification in this regard on Thursday (13 March), marking the third extension of these powers.
Initially, on 17 September 2024, the government first conferred magistracy authority upon army officers to maintain law and order.
This jurisdiction was subsequently extended to include officers of the Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force from 30 September.
The mandate was then prolonged on 16 November 2024 for an additional 60 days, followed by another extension on 12 January 2025.
According to the latest directive, commissioned officers holding the rank of captain and above in the Bangladesh Armed Forces have been vested with special executive magistrate powers across the country.
Additionally, military officers serving on deputation in the Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have also been granted the same authority.
The extended powers, conferred under various provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898—including sections 64, 65, 83, 84, 86, 95(2), 100, 105, 107, 109, 110, 126, 127, 128, 130, 133, and 142—will remain effective for 60 days from the date of issuance.
This move reinforces the continued involvement of armed forces personnel in executive magistracy roles, underscoring the government’s stance on maintaining law and order through military oversight.
