The Armed Police Battalion (APBn) has, for the first time, been explicitly granted full investigative powers alongside an expansion of its operational scope.
Under the new legal framework, the force will be empowered to investigate specific cases assigned by the government, courts, or the inspector general of police (IGP), rather than investigating all cases independently.
The details were disclosed by DIG (Admin) of APBn Headquarters Dr Mohammad Shahjahan at a press conference held at the APBn Headquarters in Uttara on Thursday.
New statutory structure
On 10 September, Parliament passed the “Armed Police Battalions Bill, 2026,” repealing the “Armed Police Battalions Ordinance, 1979” to establish an updated legal framework. The law introduces significant changes to the duties and operational scope of the APBn.
Although APBn members previously operated in designated locations, the law lacked explicit provisions for independent investigations. Under the new legislation, the force can directly investigate assigned cases subject to government approval.
Focus on Rohingya camps and cyber crime
APBn considers these investigative powers vital for addressing crime in the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, where a large population makes it difficult for district police to maintain law and order and conduct uniform investigations across all areas.
APBn personnel have long been deployed to maintain camp security.
DIG Mohammad Shahjahan noted that the nature of crime in the camps differs from general areas, encompassing offences such as narcotics, weapons, kidnapping, violence against women, and human trafficking.
Special training is being arranged for APBn members to conduct these specific investigations.
Additionally, the new law permits the APBn to establish a separate cell for controlling cybercrime.
It also clarifies the force’s role regarding airport security and crime prevention.
Addressing security at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, DIG Shahjahan explained that as part of Bangladesh territory, police hold jurisdiction, though security and crime prevention must be viewed separately.
Different agencies will perform their respective duties at the airport and work through co-ordination as needed. He added that the law presents no bar to APBn investigating airport crimes if deemed necessary.
Co-ordination will also be maintained among relevant agencies when operating in various areas, including the apron and outer areas, with each agency working according to duties set by law.
Operational performance in August
During the exchange meeting, DIG Mohammad Shahjahan presented APBn’s operational performance and achievements for August.
Using technological tools during the month, the force recovered 784 lost mobile phones, restored three hacked Facebook IDs, two WhatsApp accounts, two email accounts, and one Telegram account, while providing assistance to 572 individuals via National Emergency Service 999.
A total of Tk7,49,718 lost to bKash and Nagad fraudulent activities were also recovered.
In anti-narcotics drives, officers seized 6,652 Yaba tablets, 3.49 kg of cannabis, 43.75 litres of alcohol, 387 cartons of cigarettes, and 209 vapes, resulting in 11 cases filed and 15 arrests.
In anti-arms operations, APBn recovered two one-shooter guns, three rounds of ammunition, and two spent shells, leading to one arrest.
Anti-smuggling operations during August led to the seizure of 4,929 grams of gold worth an estimated Tk9,79,88,385, resulting in 17 cases filed and 27 arrests. Foreign currency and Bangladeshi currency worth Tk2,64,976 were also recovered.
In traffic law enforcement, 483 cases were filed for violations, collecting Tk14,63,500 in fines, alongside the arrest of several hundred individuals across various legal actions and operations.
Highlighting operations in the Rohingya camp area, DIG Shahjahan stated that 23 vehicles were seized for illegal entry and sent to Shahparir Dwip Highway Police Station, while one case was filed and one person arrested regarding recovery of prohibited ration items.
Smuggled and illegal goods were also recovered from the camp area. Moreover, three missing children and 19 victims were rescued from the camps during the month. In total, 8, 14, and 16 APBn jointly filed 43 GR and CR cases in August.
DIG Shahjahan noted that in addition to assisting other law enforcement units during peacetime and ensuring internal security, maintaining the capacity to serve as an infantry battalion during wartime remains a core characteristic of the APBn.
Additional DIG (Operations & Intelligence) Nurul Islam, Superintendent of Police (Intelligence) Asma Begum Rita, and Superintendent of Police (Training, Law & Media) Mohammad Tajul Islam were also present at the briefing.
