Bangladesh Grants Army Special Powers Amid Ongoing Instability

On Tuesday, Bangladesh’s interim government announced that the army will have special powers to help maintain law and order. This decision comes after the country’s political situation worsened, following the flight of its leader last month amid widespread protests.

New Powers for the Army

While not a full emergency declaration, this new order gives army officers significant local policing authority. They can now issue search and arrest warrants and have the ability to break up large gatherings.

The Ministry of Public Administration stated that these powers will last for two months and apply across the nation, which has a population of 170 million. Asif Nazrul, the government’s top legal official, explained that the measures are necessary due to public disorder, especially in industrial regions.

Rising Violence and Public Safety Concerns

Recent weeks have seen attacks on Bangladesh’s Hindu minority and the shrines of Sufi Muslims, viewed as heretical by some extremists. The unrest has also disrupted operations in garment factories, a vital part of the country’s economy.

The political crisis deepened after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left for India on August 5, following a crackdown that resulted in hundreds of deaths among protesters. This led to a state of near-anarchy, as police retreated from the streets, fearing for their safety after several officers were killed. The police had previously been accused of many of these violent actions, acting on behalf of Hasina’s political party.With police largely absent, mob rule and revenge killings became common. Students even began directing the heavy traffic in Dhaka, the capital.

Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate who became the interim leader shortly after Hasina’s departure, has faced challenges in restoring order. Although some police have gradually returned to duty, many remain cautious, often wearing civilian clothes for safety, protected by the army.

Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, a security analyst and former military officer, noted that the army has already taken on many law enforcement duties in recent weeks. He believes the new powers will enable them to perform these roles more effectively. “There has to be a legal cover behind it,” he stated.

As the situation in Bangladesh evolves, the government’s measures reflect ongoing concerns about safety and stability in the country.