Bangladesh Army Granted Special Judicial Powers Amid Political Turmoil
In a significant and unprecedented decision, the interim government of Bangladesh has authorized army officers to exercise special executive judicial authority for a period of 60 days. This decision, announced on Tuesday through a memorandum from the Ministry of Public Administration, allows competent army officers to perform executive judicial duties under the supervision of judges across various provinces. This move comes as the government grapples with ongoing unrest following the overthrow of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5.
The military's new role will focus on monitoring and implementing a limited number of felonies under the Criminal Procedure Code. As the country faces sporadic acts of sabotage and a challenging security environment, the government's decision aims to enhance law enforcement capabilities, especially given the current limitations faced by the police. Lt Col Sami Doula Chowdhury, the director of public relations for the Bangladesh Army, emphasized the need for judicial support for the army to effectively manage the situation.
This announcement follows Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus's recent visit to the army headquarters, where he met with Army Chief General Waqaruzzaman and other senior officers. The meeting was aimed at discussing national security and formulating a strategic operational plan to address the ongoing challenges. The army's involvement has been pivotal since the political upheaval, with its presence on the streets reportedly welcomed by citizens amid clashes between student movements, opposition forces, and security personnel.
