The interim government has extended the executive magistrate powers granted to army officers by an additional 60 days, in an effort to maintain law and order during the ongoing political transition. The decision comes just before the initial two-month period, granted on Sept 17 under the Code of Criminal Procedure, was set to expire. The order was issued on Friday, and the official notification was published by the Ministry of Public Administration on Saturday. Under this authority, army officers holding the rank of captain and above, as well as officers of the Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh, or BGB, of similar rank, are empowered to arrest individuals and disperse illegal gatherings.
