Published: 12:51 AM, 04 September 2026
RAB abolition bill goes to parliament
A bill has reached parliament proposing to disband Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and replace it with a new police unit called Special Response Battalion (SRB).
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad introduced the draft law in parliament on Thursday, after which it was sent to the parliamentary standing committee on the home ministry for examination, with instructions to report back within four working days, bdnews24 reports.
Opposition leaders challenged the motion, arguing that transferring elite force personnel directly into the SRB creates the impression of reviving the controversial agency under a different brand.
Passing the proposed Special Response Battalion Bill 2026 will repeal provisions added to the Armed Police Battalions Ordinance in 2003 that governed the elite force, while transferring all assets, liabilities, contracts, and personnel to the SRB.
The proposed unit will handle crime, organised crime, narcotics, cybercrime, enforced disappearances, land grabbing, human trafficking, kidnappings, and violence against women and children.
According to the bill, a "modern, professional, and accountable" specialised unit is essential to maintain public safety, combat crime, and ensure operational transparency.
The draft law places the SRB directly under police oversight, with headquarters in Dhaka and regional offices permitted subject to government approval.
Officers and members will join on deputation from police and other disciplined forces.
An officer holding at least the rank of additional inspector general of police will lead the force as director general under the supervision of the inspector general of police.
The director general will exercise administrative, financial, and operational authority over the unit's battalions, companies, platoons, and sections.
Opposing the bill's introduction, Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam pointed to RAB's history of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and secret detention facilities during the Awami League government.
Nahid said political parties pledged to abolish the force before elections, not rehouse its personnel in a similar outfit.
He urged parliament to disband RAB first before considering any specialised police unit through wider debate.
Responding to criticisms, Home Minister Salahuddin said misdeeds stem from political or mafia leadership rather than institutions themselves, citing former police chief Benazir Ahmed to argue against scrapping entire agencies over individual criminality.
Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman supported abolishing the elite force but demanded further review before creating the SRB to avoid public perception of simple rebranding.
He urged ministers to delay the bill for broader consensus so parliament avoids historical liability.
The home minister replied that the SRB incorporates independent oversight committees featuring judicial officers and human rights experts to investigate complaints.
Salahuddin expressed confidence these statutory checks will prevent the SRB from repeating past abuses that led to international sanctions and infamy.
