RAB will provide full cooperation if tribunal seeks info on 'crossfires': DG Palash

The Rapid Action Battalion will provide maximum cooperation if the International Crimes Tribunal seeks any information regarding past "crossfires", the force's Director General Additional IGP Ahsan Habib Palash said today (5 April).

"If our cooperation is sought regarding any matter related to the [tribunal's] judicial process, we will provide the highest level of assistance. We will provide whatever information we have," he said during an exchange of views with journalists at the RAB Media Centre in Karwan Bazar, where he discussed recent operational successes and the overall law and order situation.

"If certain information is unavailable, we will express our inability, but the tribunal has not yet contacted us regarding this matter," Palash said.

When asked about pressure from domestic and international organisations to disband RAB, the DG noted that such decisions do not rest with the force itself. 

"The responsibility for decisions regarding the abolition or any other matters related to RAB rests with the government. Our duty is to perform our assigned roles. Since we enjoy state facilities, our core task is to establish RAB positively before the public through our work."

Regarding the potential renaming or restructuring of the force, he added that such reforms are also matters for the government to consider. 

"Our priority is to get the work done. We investigate issues regarding human rights or other lapses internally, and no one is being spared. I hope through these actions, we will reach a better position, and the issues against us will gradually be resolved."

Addressing allegations that RAB has been used politically in the past, Palash suggested that a review of the last year and a half would show fewer instances of misconduct. 

"This proves that if RAB is managed correctly, it can function properly. I believe the government is trying to involve us in constructive work, and I hope RAB will be guided correctly. We have received certain directives from the government in this regard."

On the subject of US sanctions, the DG said, "If you review the timeline and reasons behind these incidents since RAB's inception, you will see that they occurred due to certain deviations and lapses in conduct. If we can rectify these issues, I believe the sanctions will no longer persist."

The DG also addressed the resurgence of pirates and separatists, noting that intelligence activities have been intensified. 

He said focus had been diverted due to elections and other factors, but stated that information is now being gathered to tackle these threats.

On the topic of militancy, he said, "I do not want to debate the terminology of militancy or terrorism, but we are working."

Regarding the growing "Kishore Gang" (juvenile gang) culture, he called for journalist cooperation. 

"Juvenile gangs are becoming a severe issue in Bangladesh. Our operations, conducted jointly by the police and RAB, are ongoing. 

"It is often difficult to keep them within the bounds of the law, but we are trying. I urge journalists to expose those who are patronising these gangs; it would make our job much easier."