The Cabinet has given final approval to the draft of Armed Police Battalion Act, 2026, paving the way for this specialised unit to investigate criminal offences and conduct operations.
Once passed in parliament, the police unit will be officially empowered with these investigative and operational capabilities. The approval was given on Monday during the 18th Cabinet meeting, held at the Secretariat and presided over by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
According to a press release from the Cabinet Division, the new draft law has been formulated in Bengali to modernise the existing framework and make the Armed Police Battalions more public-friendly.
The draft repeals “The Armed Police Battalions Ordinance, 1979” while retaining provisions to protect actions previously taken under that ordinance. The draft law has also been uploaded to the website of the Ministry of Home Affairs to gather public opinion.
Under the proposed law, this specialised battalion will operate under the control and supervision of an Additional Inspector General of Police.
The battalion’s mandate includes maintaining public safety, providing security to VIPs, and securing government-declared installations.
It is also tasked with taking action against individuals involved in terrorism, illicit drugs, human trafficking, rape, and crimes against humanity, alongside assisting other law enforcement agencies.
The press release noted that the proposal to grant battalion members the authority to investigate criminal offences and run operations is subject to compliance with the Code of Criminal Procedure and other prevailing laws.
Additionally, the draft, which is subject to final vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, proposes the establishment and trial procedures of both special courts and summary courts.
