BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday expressed concerns over the recent decision to grant magistracy powers to the army, saying that it is likely to lead to the emergence of new problems.
 
Speaking at a program at the Thakurgaon Press Club, he urged the interim government to reconsider giving the army magistracy powers across the country, as this move reflects a failure of other institutions to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
 
"The army has been given magistracy powers. This is a concerning development, as it indicates a failure of the administration to maintain law and order. It also suggests that other institutions are not functioning," the BNP leader said.
 
Fakhrul said he believes that the army should be granted magistracy powers only in areas that have become out of control.
 
He, however, said in peaceful areas where political leaders are managing the situation, empowering the army with magistracy powers would not be appropriate and could create new problems. "It wouldn't be a prudent move."
 
"I urge the interim government to reconsider this matter. They should not take any such steps that could ultimately backfire on them and be detrimental to politics and the people of the country," he said.
 
At the program, Fakhrul spoke with the family members of those killed and injured in Thakurgaon during the student-led anti-discrimination movement at the press club's VIP hall. He also provided them with financial assistance.