RAB may be renamed under new law: PM's Adviser Zahed
He said a comprehensive new law is being drafted for the elite force.
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) will no longer operate in its previous structure and manner, Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said today (19 May), adding that the government is considering introducing a new law and possibly changing the force's name.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Press Information Department (PID) conference room at the Secretariat, he said a comprehensive new law is being drafted for the elite force. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon was also present at the event, where journalists were briefed on the progress of various government activities.
Responding to a question over the BNP's earlier demand to abolish RAB and whether the force was now continuing as before, Zahed said, "Yesterday was RAB's founding anniversary, and by coincidence I was present there. What has been said regarding abolishing RAB and the demands that were raised – in one sense, RAB is no longer remaining in its previous form."
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He noted that the home minister had already announced plans for a new law governing RAB. Until now, the force has operated under an ordinance related to police battalions, but the proposed law would clearly define its operations, authority and accountability framework.
"The demand BNP made to abolish RAB means, in one sense, the force will no longer exist in the same way, and its name may also change," he said, adding that no final decision has yet been made regarding the renaming.
Zahed also said the way laws are enforced depends on the political outlook of the government in power. Referring to the tenure of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, he alleged that looting in the banking sector and human rights violations committed through RAB took place with political backing.
He said interim governments, or any future democratic government, would not use state forces for political purposes. However, he stressed the need for a capable elite force to tackle national security threats, militancy and organised crime.
"Leaving aside criticisms of RAB, it has effectively dealt with terrorism and crime in many cases where the conventional police force has not always succeeded," he said.
According to the adviser, RAB possesses advanced training, modern equipment and specialised capabilities. For that reason, he said, an elite force would continue to exist in the future – whether under the name RAB or another identity – but it would operate under a clear legal framework to prevent controversies and human rights violations seen in the past.
