655 judicial magistrates deployed nationwide for election duties today

The Election Commission has appointed 655 judicial magistrates across the country to conduct summary trials of electoral offences in order to ensure a free, fair and peaceful 13th national parliamentary election.

The appointed magistrates will perform their duties as first-class magistrates for five days, from Tuesday, February 10, to February 14.

The information was disclosed in a gazette notification signed by Mohammad Didar Hossain, deputy secretary law at the Election Commission Secretariat.

According to the notification, the magistrates will remain in the field for two days before polling day, on polling day itself, and for two days after polling.

The appointment was made on February 5 under the powers granted by Article 89A of the Representation of the People Order, 1972. Following consultations with the Law and Justice Division and the Supreme Court, these judicial service officers were vested with first-class magistracy powers.

They will conduct instant trials under Section 190(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, dealing with electoral offences such as obstruction of voting, capture of polling centres, disorder and other scheduled offences.