RAB to Be Abolished and Replaced by ‘Special Response Battalion’

The government has taken an initiative to abolish the elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and establish a new specialized unit named the Special Response Battalion (SRB). To this end, a draft titled the "Special Response Battalion Act, 2026" has been published on the Ministry of Home Affairs website to solicit public feedback.

​The draft proposes establishing this specialized unit under Bangladesh Police while retaining RAB's existing organizational framework on a renewed legal footing. It includes specific provisions detailing the unit's operational duties, search and arrest powers, case investigation authority, member discipline, and the formation of a dedicated committee to handle public complaints.

​According to ministry sources on Thursday (August 6), after finalizing the draft based on feedback from various ministries and departments, it will be submitted to the Cabinet. Upon approval, it will be placed before the National Parliament to be enacted into law. ​Once the new law takes effect, the existing legal framework governing RAB will be repealed, though certain existing rules will remain applicable until fresh regulations are framed.

​Under the draft law, the SRB will operate as a specialized unit of Bangladesh Police, headed by a Director General holding the rank of Additional Inspector General of Police (Addl. IGP). The force will feature its own distinct logo, flag, and official uniform, with headquarters in Dhaka and authorization to establish branch units nationwide as required. ​Personnel will be drawn from Bangladesh Police as well as deputed from other disciplined and defense services under specified terms. The proposed minimum tenure for deputed personnel is set at two years.

​The draft outlines a broad operational mandate for the SRB, including maintaining internal security, gathering intelligence, recovering illegal firearms and explosives, curbing narcotics, tackling cybercrime and human trafficking, countering terrorism, and assisting other law enforcement agencies.

​Members of the SRB will hold authority under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to conduct searches, seizures, and arrests during operations against drug trafficking, illegal arms, explosive stashes, terrorist hideouts, human trafficking, and offenses against state security. Officers holding at least the rank of Sub-Inspector will be empowered to file and investigate criminal cases upon directives from courts, the government, or the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The unit will also maintain its own lockups, evidence storage rooms (malkhana), and interrogation spaces.

​To address past allegations against RAB and enhance institutional accountability, the draft introduces a dedicated Complaint Redressal Committee.

​Chaired by an Additional Director General of the SRB, the committee will include representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Police Headquarters, the Director of Legal and Media, and a government-nominated expert with at least 10 years of experience in human rights, law, or judicial administration.

​Investigate citizen complaints regarding misconduct, harassment, or unlawful influence within unit operations. ​Form independent inquiry teams and recommend legal or departmental actions to relevant authorities when preliminary evidence is found.

​Review grievances related to promotions, postings, and disciplinary measures, and recommend actions against outside entities attempting to exert unlawful influence over the battalion's functions.

​The draft law outlines strict departmental actions for offenses such as performing duties while intoxicated, insubordination, negligence, illegal extortion, misuse of government arms, aiding criminals, or engaging in illegal gambling. If preliminary allegations are verified, members will be reverted to their parent forces for legal proceedings.

​Specific provisions are also included to handle desertion, allowing battalion commanders and local police to arrest and process deserters.

​Upon enactment, all existing assets, personnel, funds, liabilities, ongoing cases, contracts, and administrative operations of RAB will automatically transfer to the SRB. Existing operational rules will remain provisionally effective with necessary adaptations until new regulations are drafted.

​RAB was originally formed on March 26, 2004, and officially commenced operations on April 14, 2004. The initiative to restructure the force under a new name and updated legal framework comes from the current BNP government following long-standing domestic and international discussions regarding human rights accountability.