The Bangladesh Army was given police and judicial powers after Yunus’ caretaker government struggled to control violence

The caretaker government of Bangladesh led by Muhammad Yunus has granted the military special executive powers across the country with immediate effect.

According to an announcement released by the Bangladesh Ministry of Public Administration on Tuesday, eligible army officers will be allowed to serve as executive judges under the supervision of district judges across Bangladesh for the next 60 days.

According to the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), military judges will supervise actions related to offences under Sections 64, 65, 83, 84, 86, 95(2), 100, 105, 107, 109, 110, 126, 127, 128, 130, 133 and 142 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (CRPC).

The regulation is being interpreted as a step that will give the army greater powers to carry out administrative and police duties in the violence-hit country.

The regulation issued by the Ministry of Public Administration does not specify whether it will apply at the district level, but mentions that the instruction is applicable in “the whole of Bangladesh”.

Speaking to local media, Bangladesh Supreme Court lawyer Tapash Kanti Baul said the army had no authority to make an arrest without the presence of an investigating judge.

However, by government order, the army can now arrest anyone as it can use the powers granted to it.

Bangladesh’s police force has been severely strained since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, as its removal from power left it vulnerable to mass retaliation due to its role in the repression of anti-Hasina protesters.

In recent weeks, there have been reports of mob violence at various institutions and locations, and attacks on Hindus and other minorities and their places of worship, which the caretaker government led by Yunus has failed to prevent.

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