Giving army magistracy powers risks new problems: Bangladesh Nationalist Party

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) expressed concerns over the recent decision of Prof. Muhammad Yunus led interim government of Bangladesh to grant magistracy powers to the army. Secretary General of BNP Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said that it is likely to lead to the emergence of new problems.

He urged the interim government to reconsider giving the army magistracy powers across the country, as this move reflects a failure of other institutions to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

“The army has been given magistracy powers. This is a concerning development, as it indicates a failure of the administration to maintain law and order. It also suggests that other institutions are not functioning,” the BNP leader said.

Fakhrul said he believes that the army should be granted magistracy powers only in areas that have become out of control, reports United News of Bangladesh (UNB).

He, however, said in peaceful areas where political leaders are managing the situation, empowering the army with magistracy powers would not be appropriate and could create new problems. “It wouldn’t be a prudent move.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus has given the power of executive magistrate to the commissioned officers of the Bangladesh Army across the country in order to improve law and order. The eligible army officers will be able to act as executive magistrates under the supervision of district magistrates nationwide for the next 60 days.

The BNP Secretary General said they are hopeful that the interim government will eliminate all obstacles and create an environment conducive to a fair and inclusive democratic election.

By – Navalsang Parmar (Dhaka)