Dhaka, March 1 -- The Army, currently deployed across the country with executive magistracy powers, needs to be withdrawn from the field at some point, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said.

He, however, did not specify a date for the pullout.

The minister shared his views while responding to reporters following a meeting with the Fire Service and Civil Defence at the Secretariat on Sunday.

"There was a directive for them to remain until 15 days after the election. That period has likely concluded," the minister said.

"However, according to previous government orders, the armed forces remain in the field with magistracy powers until further notice," he said.

The home minister noted that the Army itself is not keen on an indefinite ...