RAB now praised for role in law and order: Home adviser

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has undergone significant changes since 5 August and is now earning public praise for its efforts in maintaining law and order, seizing arms and drugs, and bringing criminals to justice, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retired) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today (18 September).

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting the RAB headquarters in Kurmitola. Earlier at the RAB headquarters, the adviser also held a brief meeting with senior officials and battalion commanders, giving them various directives.

Talking to reporters, the adviser said that the activities that existed in RAB before 5 August are no longer there.

"Everyone is now working properly. Performance is much better now. Their drives to recover drugs and illegal arms, and to bring criminals under the law, are commendable. I thank all members of RAB for that," he added.

When asked whether appointing retired officers on contract to senior posts in law enforcement agencies creates any conflict with serving officers, the adviser said, "No, there is no conflict. This is done as per the needs of the state, not for personal interests. It happened in the past, it is happening now, and it may happen in the future."

About the meeting with the elite force officials, he said national elections are ahead, and elections are also taking place in different universities, adding that instructions have been given to the commanders to keep the law and order situation normal during these events.

In response to a query about security concerns centring around the upcoming Durga Puja, he said there are over 33,000 puja mandaps across the country.

"Minor incidents may occur, but I am hopeful that no major incidents will take place," he said.