More than 300 members of RAB-15, including the battalion commander, have been transferred following allegations of underreporting Yaba seizures in case files and financial irregularities in Cox’s Bazar.
The transfers were carried out after an internal investigation.
A circular issued on 19 November, signed by Deputy Director (Administration) Major Faisal Ahmed, with approval from Director (Administration and Finance) Kamrul Hasan at the RAB Headquarters, transferred 198 members.
Another circular on the same date transferred 200 more members.
An earlier circular on 12 November ordered the transfer of 62 personnel, while a circular dated 17 November, also signed by Major Faisal Ahmed, transferred 100 members to various units. Most recently, on 27 November, a further 74 RAB personnel were transferred.
Wing Commander MZM Intekhab Chowdhury, director of the Media Wing at the RAB Headquarters, said the withdrawn commanding officer had been posted in Cox’s Bazar for more than a year and had now been attached to the headquarters.
He added that over the past few days, more than 300 officers and members had been transferred elsewhere, describing the moves as part of routine rotation.
According to sources, all RAB officers have their own FS (field staff). These personnel operate as a “civil team,” collecting information.
In Cox’s Bazar, this so-called civil team had reportedly been in contact with Yaba traders and other smugglers, allegedly assisting in criminal activities, collecting payments in return and distributing the proceeds.
In the wake of the serious allegations, almost all members of Cox’s Bazar unit – including the commanding officer, as well as the cook and sweeper – have been transferred.
Corporal Imam and Lutfur, who were part of the alleged civil team, reportedly worked directly with the commanding officer and maintained links with major smugglers. Serious allegations have also been raised against officials Ehetesham and Nazmul.
