The cloud of insurgency is once again looming over Bangladesh. Exactly one and a half months later, the interim head of the government, Muhammad Yunus, is also beginning to worry about a rebellion like Sheikh Hasina’s. The calls for elections in the country are growing louder and protests are intensifying. In this situation, Muhammad Yunus decided to take drastic action to deal with public grievances and grant the power of a special chief executive to the national army for the next 60 days. The army now has the power to arrest and even shoot anyone.
The coup in Bangladesh on August 5 forced Sheikh Hasina to leave the country and seek refuge in India. Now, about a month and a half later, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and other opposition parties have raised the demand for holding elections. Thousands of BNP workers took to the streets of Dhaka on Tuesday, strongly demanding democratic changes through elections that would decide on increasing the power of the military.
The interim government has not revealed when the elections will be held?
According to reports, BNP staff first gathered outside the headquarters and started shouting slogans. He demanded elections as the interim government had not yet informed when they would be held. After the fall of Hasina’s government, the BNP had demanded elections within three months. Tariq Rahman, son of Khaleda Zia and leader of the Bangladesh National Party, said that political stability in Bangladesh could only be achieved through free and fair elections.
What powers did the interim government grant to the military?
Bangladesh’s interim government said the army has been given administrative powers for two months to improve law and order in the country and curb subversive activities. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification on the government’s decision, saying the order will be applicable across the country immediately. The powers will be given to army officers.
Army officers will be able to serve as acting magistrates under the supervision of district magistrates across Bangladesh for the next 60 days. With the power of magistrate, officers will have the power to arrest and detain people. Army officers can also fire in self-defense or in cases of extreme necessity.
Many police officers did not return to duty after the violence
Home Affairs Advisor Lt Gen (retired) Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday said giving executive powers to the Army will benefit people. He said many policemen have not returned to their posts after the August 5 violence. They will no longer be allowed to return to work. People across the country will benefit from the executive powers given to Army officers.
Chaudhry said that the army was given administrative powers to ensure public services and maintain law and order. Since law enforcement agencies were short of manpower, the army was given administrative powers to make up for the shortage. He further said that the Bangladesh Army is a disciplined and people-friendly army. Ordinary people will not have any problem communicating with them and accepting their help.
The report states that Section 17 of the Bangladesh Criminal Procedure Code confers the status of special administrative judges on military officers, who work under the district magistrate or deputy commissioner.
The government said it gave the army the power to handle the situation.
Other powers, including arrest and dispersal of illegal gatherings, have been given to army officers. Asif Nazrul, legal adviser to the interim government, said officers can open fire in self-defence and in cases of extreme necessity. He said disruptive activities were taking place in many places. Peace in industrial areas was being disrupted. Considering this situation, executive powers have been given to army personnel.
“Our interim government is confident that army personnel will not abuse this power,” he said. Another consultant, who did not wish to be named, said the police have not been able to do their job properly so far. “Destructive activities are taking place. Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, many police officers in Bangladesh have not been doing their job.”
Around August 5, the police had to face huge public anger. Rioters set fire to their vehicles and property. They created riots and vandalized police stations. These protesters were angry about the heavy-handedness of the police.
On August 6, the police went on strike
After the attack, the Bangladesh Police Employees Union announced an indefinite strike on August 6. After several meetings with the then Interior Ministry Advisor, Brigadier (retired) M Sakhawat Hussain, the strike was called off on August 10. But many policemen have not returned to work. Former secretary Abul Alam Mohammad Shahid Khan said the decision of the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus was timely and necessary considering the current law and order situation.
He said, I believe this move will lead to a noticeable improvement in law and order throughout the country. However, experienced lawyer ZI Khan Panna disagreed with the decision. Panna said this is not right. Has the government lost confidence in the magistrates? It is not appropriate for military personnel to perform the duties of magistrates under the leadership of the deputy commissioner. It is unwise to mix military personnel with the public.
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