Bangladesh: Army Granted Magistracy Powers, Efforts to Restore Law and Order.

Amid ongoing violence and political instability in Bangladesh over the past few months, the interim government has temporarily granted magistracy powers to the army. This decision has been taken to control law and order and curb destructive activities. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Tuesday, commissioned officers of the army will be given these powers with immediate effect from September 17, 2024, for the next 60 days. This decision comes in response to the growing violence and political instability in the country, as law enforcement agencies are facing a shortage of personnel and resources. These powers granted to the army are seen as essential for ensuring the safety of citizens and establishing peace and stability in the country.

According to Bangladesh’s state-owned BSS news agency, Home Advisor Lieutenant General (Retired) Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated on Wednesday that several police officers have not returned to duty following recent attacks. This is causing difficulties in maintaining law and order. Chowdhury also clarified that police officers who have not yet returned to service will no longer be allowed to rejoin their duties. In light of this situation, the interim government of Bangladesh has empowered the army with magistracy powers to improve law and order. These powers allow the army to arrest, detain, and use force, including the use of firearms, if necessary. The aim of this move is to prevent any further violence from erupting in the country.

The magistracy powers granted to the army include the authority to arrest, detain, and, if required, use firearms. The army has been given these powers to restore law and order and ensure the safety of civilians. Additionally, the government of Bangladesh has clarified that these powers will not be misused. Bangladesh’s legal advisor Asif Nazrul emphasized that the army personnel will not misuse these powers, and once the situation normalizes, there will be no further need for these powers. The government also noted that this law will remain in effect for only 60 days, after which it will be repealed.

Amidst the violence and chaos, the interim government of Bangladesh has also restructured the Constitutional Reform Commission. Bangladeshi-American professor Ali Riaz has been appointed as the new head of the commission, replacing Supreme Court lawyer Shahdeen Malik. This change was announced under the directives of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. Yunus had earlier announced the formation of six commissions to carry out reforms in the judiciary, election system, administration, police, anti-corruption commission, and constitution. Under Ali Riaz’s leadership, the Constitutional Reform Commission will work towards improving Bangladesh’s political and social structures.

In recent months, student protests have been ongoing in Bangladesh over the issue of reservations. The movement spread across the country, leading to violent clashes in many areas. In response to the situation, the then-Bangladeshi government deployed the army to control the unrest. On the night of July 19, 2024, a nationwide curfew was imposed, but despite this, incidents of violence continued to rise. Following heavy violence on August 5, 2024, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position and left the country. Her resignation led to increased political instability in Bangladesh.

Three days after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, on August 8, 2024, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus. The main objective of this government is to restore peace and stability in the country and implement constitutional reforms. However, despite the formation of the interim government, the situation in Bangladesh remains chaotic. Army personnel are still deployed across the country to control violence and unrest. The interim government is striving to improve law and order and steer the country back toward peace.