The elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) is going to become an independent force, which will operate under the home ministry, just like the border force Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Bangladesh Coast Guard, disclosed sources in the home ministry. In order to make the RAB an independent force, the home ministry is amending its existing organogram by splitting the ministry into two divisions—the Internal Affairs Division and General Affairs Division, the sources added.
Under the proposed organogram of the home ministry, a separate section named ‘RAB Wing’ (along with other sections of the ministry) would be set up to monitor the activities of the elite force, according to the sources. As the RAB is an elite anti-crime and anti-terrorism unit of the police, which comprises members drawn from the police, Army, Navy, Air Force, BGB and Ansar, the authorities are planning to upgrade the posts of the special force. An officer of the Army of the level of Major General is likely to be appointed its chief on deputation after the elite force is brought under the home ministry, the sources hoped. At present, the chief of the elite force is appointed from the rank of Brigadier General/Air Commodore/Commodore of the armed forces and the additional inspector general of police, on deputation.
The sources said if the RAB, formed on 26 March 2004, and which commenced operations on 14 April 2004, is brought under the home ministry as an independent force, other posts—like that of the director—would be upgraded.
Talking to The Independent, the home ministry’s senior secretary Dr Mozammel Haque Khan said they were working on it. Earlier, home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal had said they were recasting the RAB to strengthen its activities. Sources said the RAB was facing various administrative challenges, thanks to its position under the police administration. The special force also has to deal with different complications related to postings under deputations from different forces. The RAB has long been facing numerous allegations from both local and international human rights organisations about its reported involvement in extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances and rights violations. It has 14 battalions across the country.
Several international human rights organisations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International recommended its dissolution following the killing of seven persons in Narayanganj in 2014. Narayanganj City Corporation councillor Nazrul Islam, lawyer Chandan Sarker and five others were abducted on April 27; their bodies surfaced in the Shitalakhya three days later.