The Election Commission (EC) has appointed a total of 655 judicial magistrates across the country to ensure that the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election is conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful manner.
These magistrates will begin their duties on Tuesday (10 February), and will serve for a total of five days, until 14 February, exercising the powers of first-class magistrates.
This information was disclosed in a gazette notification signed by Mohammad Didar Hossain, deputy secretary (Law) of the Election Commission Secretariat.
According to the notification, the magistrates will remain on duty for the two days prior to polling day, on the day of voting, and for two days after the election.
The notification said that the appointments were made on 5 February under the authority granted by Article 89A of The Representation of the People Order, 1972 (P.O. No. 155 of 1972). In consultation with the Law and Justice Division and the Supreme Court, judicial service officers were vested with these powers.
In cases of electoral offences—such as obstructing voting, capturing polling stations, creating disorder, and other offences listed in the election schedule—the magistrates will conduct immediate trials under the summary procedure, in accordance with Section 190(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.
