BANGLADESH'S ARMY GETS MAGISTRACY POWERS

The powers will be given to commissioned officers of the Bangladesh Army and the order will remain in force for the next 60 days.

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Bangladesh's interim government has granted magisterial powers to the Army for two months to improve law and order in the violence-hit country and prevent "subversive acts".

The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification on the government's decision on Tuesday, saying it will be applicable with immediate effect. The powers will be given to commissioned officers of the Army. The order will remain in force for the next 60 days.

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Wednesday that the people will get the benefit of bestowing magistracy power upon the army, state-owned BSS news agency reported.

"Police officials who are yet to join the services, won't be allowed to join anymore," he said, adding that the "people of Bangla (Bangladesh) will reap the benefit of bestowing the magistracy power upon the commissioned officers of Bangladesh Army."