RAB Set for Restructuring Under New Law

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) will no longer continue in its previous form. The force is being restructured under a comprehensive and specific law, and even its name may change. Information Adviser to the Prime Minister, Zahed Ur Rahman, made the remarks while speaking about demands to disband RAB and outlining its future framework. He responded to journalists’ questions at a regular press briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

He said a clearly defined legal framework would eliminate past risks. “The Home Minister announced yesterday that a new and comprehensive law will be introduced for RAB. Until now, RAB operated under an option within the Armed Police Battalion. Under the new law, all aspects of RAB will be clearly defined,” he said.

At the same time, Zahed Ur Rahman urged that his statements not be misquoted. The Information Adviser also referred to past allegations of human rights violations. “How a law is implemented depends on the mindset of the government in power. During Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, banking sector looting happened with her approval. In the same way, RAB was used for serious human rights violations under her responsibility,” he said.

He further stated, “An elite force is necessary in a state. If we set aside criticism, we see that RAB has been highly successful in tackling various forms of terrorism and crime that our conventional police force could not handle. They have better equipment and advanced training.”