In a significant development, the interim government of Bangladesh has granted the country’s army magisterial powers to assist in maintaining internal security. This directive, issued on Tuesday by the Ministry of Public Administration, comes at a time of deep political unrest, with the military taking a more prominent role in safeguarding the nation.
The move follows the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and marks a critical point in Bangladesh’s governance, where the military is stepping in to manage civil order and security. The decision has far-reaching implications for the country as it grapples with internal turmoil and transitions under an interim administration.
Magisterial Powers Granted to the Military
The directive from the Ministry of Public Administration provides legal backing to the army, conferring magisterial powers under Sections 12 (1) and 17 of The Code of Criminal Procedure 1898. These powers enable the military to act as Special Executive Magistrates for the next 60 days, empowering commissioned officers to enforce law and order across the country.
According to the official order, these powers will allow the army to take decisive action in the face of the political unrest and ensure that civil authority is maintained. A copy of this order was obtained by ANI, confirming the army’s expanded role in law enforcement.
Lt. Col. Sami ud Doula Chowdhury, Director of the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), validated the news, stating, “The news of magistracy power is correct.” This confirmation indicates the army’s readiness to assume these new responsibilities in safeguarding the country during this volatile period.
Context: Political Upheaval and Sheikh Hasina’s Departure
The decision to grant magisterial powers to the military follows weeks of fierce protests and political clashes that ultimately resulted in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The student-led movement that escalated last month led to violent confrontations, with over 600 people reportedly losing their lives.
In response to the increasing unrest, the army was previously deployed nationwide under Hasina’s government, and a curfew was imposed on July 19 to restore order.
The political unrest reached its peak when Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5, after weeks of mounting pressure and public dissent. Her departure left a vacuum that was swiftly filled by an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who is now tasked with steering the nation through this challenging phase.
With the army now officially empowered to take on magisterial duties, the government’s approach to restoring order appears to hinge on the military’s involvement. This decision is seen as a necessary step to maintain stability as the country transitions from the previous administration to a new leadership structure.
The Army’s Role in Maintaining Sovereignty and Internal Security
In addition to their traditional role in defending Bangladesh’s borders, the army’s responsibilities have now been expanded to include greater involvement in maintaining internal security.
A senior army general, speaking on the condition of anonymity, outlined the military’s broad mandate, emphasizing its primary duty to “protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” However, he added, “They also engage in nation-building activities, disaster management, and internal security duties in aid of civil power.”
The army has long played a crucial role in supporting civil authorities during times of crisis, and its involvement in internal security is not entirely unprecedented. However, this new directive marks a significant escalation in the military’s authority, allowing it to act independently in matters of law enforcement for the next two months.
The general also highlighted the international reputation of the Bangladesh army, pointing to its contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions. “The Bangladesh army has earned a reputation in UN peacekeeping missions and beyond,” he said, reflecting the global recognition of the army’s professionalism and effectiveness. The expansion of magisterial powers, therefore, is seen by some as a natural extension of the army’s role in maintaining stability, both domestically and internationally.
A Critical Time for Bangladesh’s Future
As Bangladesh navigates this period of political uncertainty, the decision to empower the military with magisterial authority underscores the severity of the challenges facing the country. With the departure of Sheikh Hasina and the interim government’s efforts to maintain control, the army’s involvement in civil governance is likely to be a decisive factor in the nation’s future stability.
The expanded powers granted to the military reflect both the urgency of the current situation and the government’s reliance on the army to manage the internal security situation. While some may see this as a necessary step to restore order, others could view it as a concerning precedent for military involvement in civilian governance.
In the coming weeks, as Bangladesh’s interim government continues to navigate its way through this crisis, the role of the army will be critical in ensuring peace and stability.
The military’s expanded magisterial powers may prove essential in preventing further unrest, but the long-term implications of this decision remain uncertain. With the nation at a crossroads, the balance between civilian and military authority will be carefully watched by both domestic and international observers.
As the 60-day period progresses, the effectiveness of this strategy will be tested, and its success or failure will likely have lasting repercussions for Bangladesh’s political landscape.
