Bangladesh Grants Magisterial Powers to Army Amidst Rising Unrest

Bangladesh's interim government has given the Army magisterial powers for two months to improve law and order and curb subversive activities. This decision follows rising unrest and a mass uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. The move has sparked mixed reactions from various stakeholders.

Bangladesh's interim government has temporarily granted magisterial powers to the Army for a period of two months in an effort to improve law and order and prevent subversive activities.

The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification on Tuesday, stating that commissioned Army officers will be given these powers with immediate effect. These officers shall be subordinate to the district magistrates or deputy commissioners.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul conferred that this decision was essential given the subversive acts across industrial areas, ensuring that the Army personnel will act responsibly. However, some, like veteran lawyer ZI Khan Panna, argue that this could disrupt the balance between the Army and civilian population.

(With inputs from agencies.)