Bangladesh Extends Military Powers Amid Political Crisis

Dhaka, Nov 17 – Bangladesh’s interim government has extended the powers of the military, allowing them to carry out law enforcement duties, including making arrests, for another two months. The decision follows the violent crackdown on protests earlier this year that led to over 700 deaths. The military was brought in after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country in August, following a wave of protests against her government.

Army spokesman Sami-Ud-Daula Chowdhury confirmed the extension, saying the military would continue to follow government orders.

The military’s role in day-to-day policing has been seen as necessary due to a lack of trust in the police, who were accused of violence against protesters. Only army officers with the rank of captain or higher can make arrests, and now the coast guard and border security units also have enforcement powers.

Since Hasina’s departure, a caretaker government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been in charge, with the goal of bringing democratic reforms and preparing for elections.