A bill proposing the abolition of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the formation of a new specialised police unit was placed in parliament on Thursday.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed placed the “Special Response Battalion (SRB) Act 2026” bill in the House. Later, the bill was sent to the parliamentary standing committee on home affairs for further scrutiny.
The committee has been asked to submit its report within four working days.
Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman welcomed the move to abolish RAB but urged caution over the formation of the new force.
“The nation is traumatised today,” he said, referring to allegations of human rights violations and other controversial activities linked to RAB in the past. “SRB should not become a repetition of the old structure merely through a change of name or uniform.”
Following the opposition leader’s remarks, the home minister said the bill should remain open for discussion and be reviewed by the standing committee, where views from the opposition and other stakeholders could be considered.
He said amendments could be brought to the bill if necessary.
If enacted, the proposed law will repeal the existing provisions related to the formation of RAB and establish SRB under the Bangladesh Police.
While placing the bill, the home minister said the decision to abolish RAB was taken in line with the government’s election manifesto and public expectations.
However, he said a modern and well-equipped specialised force was still necessary to combat cybercrime, gambling, drugs, terrorism and organised crime.
“RAB is being abolished, but the need for a specialised force remains. That is why SRB is being proposed under the police,” he said.
According to the proposed law, SRB headquarters will be located in Dhaka. The government will appoint its director general from among Bangladesh Police officers holding the rank of additional inspector general or above.
The unit will be formed through the posting or deputation of police personnel, members of other law enforcement agencies and other necessary officers and employees.
The proposed SRB will be responsible for maintaining public security, combating terrorism and organised crime, recovering illegal arms, ammunition and explosives, and taking action against drugs and cybercrime.
The unit will also have authority to act against enforced disappearances, land grabbing, violence against women and children, rape, human trafficking and kidnapping. It will be able to investigate criminal cases on orders from courts, the government or the inspector general of police.
The bill grants SRB powers of entry, search, seizure and arrest in accordance with the law. However, arrested persons and seized evidence must be handed over immediately to the nearest police station.
The home minister said the proposed law also includes an accountability mechanism. A complaints redress committee will be formed to take action against SRB members involved in disciplinary violations.
The committee will include representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Police Headquarters, along with a judicial officer and a person experienced in human rights issues.
