Bangladesh gives the army judicial authority

The temporary government of Bangladesh has expanded the military forces’ judicial authority acquired during the August revolution that ousted former leader Sheikh Hasina.

Published November 15, the government directive grants two extra months’ authority to the military forces to carry out daily operations, including police patrols with arrest power.

Army spokesperson Sami-Ud-Daula Chowdhury stated Sunday, “The armed forces will carry out the orders assigned to us by the government.”

Before she went by helicopter to India on August 5, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, 77, had instructed police to suppress student-led demonstrations—a lethal crackdown that left at least 700 people dead.

Her 15-year rule was tainted by events that suppressed the opposition from using their democratic rights.

Since then, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has led a caretaker administration responsible for democratic reforms and elections.

Many people had lost faith in the police; hence, the army was dispatched to provide security.

Imam Hasan Tareq, a high court attorney, declared on Sunday that only captains or above have the authority to make arrests. The coast guard and border security agencies now have powers as well.