Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has urged members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) to move forward with fresh determination, setting aside past mistakes.
The adviser, as the chief guest at the event, made this appeal while addressing the 21st founding anniversary ceremony of RAB at its headquarters in Uttara, Dhaka, on Tuesday afternoon.
Chowdhury emphasised that RAB must operate within the bounds of the law while upholding human rights. He stated that the current interim government is committed to good governance, human rights, and establishing justice. The government is actively working to reassess, reform, and restructure RAB’s operations to strengthen the rule of law, with hopes that citizens will soon reap the benefits.
The adviser noted that, when RAB began being used as a political tool — particularly to suppress and oppress opponents — allegations of enforced disappearances, killings, and other human rights violations emerged against the force.
These abuses peaked during the previous fascist government’s tenure, he said and stressed that exploiting RAB for political gains must cease entirely.
Chowdhury acknowledged RAB’s recent contributions in maintaining law and order, including arresting criminals, recovering illegal arms, and conducting anti-narcotics operations.
RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman delivered the welcome speech at the event. Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, IGP Baharul Alam, and other senior military and civilian officials attended the ceremony.
A documentary showcasing RAB’s activities was screened, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony and photo session to mark the anniversary.