Disband RAB, restrict DGFI to military intelligence, use BGB for border issues only: UN
The OHCHR also asked for binding directives prohibiting the use of firearms loaded with metal shot or other lethal ammunition to disperse crowds
Highlights:
- UN suggests not nominating for peacekeeping any military or police personnel who served with RAB, DGFI or Dhaka Metropolitan Police Detective Branch during recent protests
- Asks immediately ceasing equipping police and other security forces with metal shot ammunition for shotguns
- Suggests forming an independent police commission outside the Home Affairs/Bangladesh Police chain of command for police oversight
The UN has recommended disbanding the RAB and returning personnel not involved in serious violations to their home units.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) made the recommendations today (12 February).
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In the report released, it also said to confine the functions of the Border Guards Bangladesh to border control issues, and suggested the DGFI be limited to military intelligence.
It further asked to demilitarise control over the Ansar/VDP to the "extent that they assume law enforcement support tasks."
It also urged that the government should agree with the United Nations Department of Peace Operations not to nominate for peacekeeping any military or police personnel who served with RAB, DGFI or Dhaka Metropolitan Police Detective Branch at any previous point, or in any of the BGB Battalions deployed to the 2024 protests or previous instances of protests suppressed with use of force human rights violations.
The OHCHR also asked for binding directives prohibiting the use of firearms loaded with metal shot or other lethal ammunition to disperse crowds and permit their use "only where necessary to protect against an imminent threat of death or serious injury."
It also asked for immediately ceasing equipping police and other security forces with metal shot ammunition for shotguns as a tool of public order management.
It also asked to limit the issuance of armour-piercing ammunition to military and paramilitary forces.
It further asked to issue and enforce binding orders to the police to cease practices of mass charges and mass arrests, in particular where based on unsubstantiated and overly broad suspect lists.
The UN also asked to establish an independent torture prevention and detention monitoring programme and consider acceding to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture.
On police recruitment, promotions, transfer and removal process, it said these should be led by a national police commission composed of government, opposition, and independent members, including from civil society.
It also suggested forming an independent police commission that is outside the Home Affairs/Bangladesh Police chain of command in regards to police oversight.
It also urged that an ordinance be passed soon to ensure that members of the Armed Forces can only be assigned to internal security tasks in the most exceptional circumstances for a limited duration, subject to parliamentary approval, under the command of civilian law enforcement authorities and with full transparency to the public regarding their tasks and rules of engagement.
