Rab may get new law or new identity: Home minister

Published : Monday, 18 May, 2026 at 5:19 PM Count : 10

The government has taken an initiative to formulate a new law for the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) to ensure accountability, transparency and protection of human rights in its operations, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said today.

“We hope Rab will conduct all its activities in the coming days, fully upholding human rights,” he said while speaking at a meeting at the elite force's headquarters in Dhaka, marking the force’s 22nd founding anniversary.

The minister said the government is considering whether the force will continue under its existing name or whether a new elite force will be formed.

Replying to a question about US sanctions on Rab, Salahuddin said the force’s image had been tarnished by the actions of some officials.

“No institution remained unaffected during the fascist regime. Police, army, Rab and BGB -- all. But the entire institution cannot be held responsible for the actions of a few officials,” he said.

He said the government had instructed the relevant authorities to bring those responsible under accountability in accordance with the law.

“If we reform or newly constitute the elite force, they (the US) may reconsider the issue,” the home minister added.

He said a committee comprising experts had already been formed to draft the law, adding that under the proposed law, the force’s powers, duties, transparency and accountability would be clearly outlined.

“At present, Rab operates under a specific provision of the Armed Police Battalion law. It has long been functioning on an ad hoc basis, which was not appropriate for such an institution,” he said.

Asked whether Rab would again be used as a political tool in future, the minister said, “Morning shows the day. The current government has been in office for three months. Has Rab, police or any other force been used politically so far?”

Responding to a question regarding the enforced disappearance of BNP leader Ilias Ali, the minister said, “Ilias Ali’s wife has filed a case with the ICT tribunal, and so have I. The strongest judicial framework currently exists within the ICT law. The commission on enforced disappearances had certain limitations, as it did not specify punitive measures.

“If necessary amendments can be made to the ICT law, then all cases related to enforced disappearances can be tried under it. There were also some legal limitations, and we are working on those as well.”

PM’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman, Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir and Rab Director General Ahsan Habib Palash were present at the programme.

FP/MI