The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has not yet been asked to provide assistance in ongoing enforced disappearance cases at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), said RAB Director General Md Ahsan Habib Palash said on Sunday.
The force will cooperate fully if such a request is made,” said Ahsan Habib, also additional IGP.
He made the remarks at a media briefing at the RAB Media Centre in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka.
“Any matter connected to the judicial process will receive full support from our side,” Polash added.
On concerns over piracy and militancy, he said “Reports of growing piracy across the country are being addressed.”
While he declined to comment directly on the presence of terrorism and extremism in Bangladesh, he confirmed that RAB is actively working in this area.
Polash emphasised the need for a specialised force that operates responsibly under the state’s mandate. “If properly managed, the force’s credibility will increase,” he said.
On the issue of disbanding RAB, the Director General said it is a matter for the government. “Our responsibility is to continue our work, and we will do so,” he added.
The DG highlighted RAB’s track record over the past 18 months, claiming no internal misconduct.
“RAB is being managed properly under government directives,” he said.
On allegations of human rights violations, he noted that internal investigations are conducted within the force, and no case is ignored.
Polash expressed confidence that such measures will gradually address public concerns about the organisation.
He described RAB as an indispensable, specialised branch of the police.
“The force plays a key role in maintaining law and order in a coordinated manner. Contrary to external perception, RAB is highly structured and organised,” he noted.
Polash outlined plans to develop RAB into a professional, humane, and technology-driven unit. He expressed confidence that it would remain effective in preventing and controlling crime in the future.
Responding to a question on crossfire case records, he said “RAB would provide full legal support and share information with judicial bodies as required.”
“If certain information is beyond our access, relevant authorities will be informed,” he added.
On criticism from foreign governments and human rights organisations, he acknowledged that some deviations or errors may have occurred since RAB’s formation.
“However, these can be corrected, and significant positive changes have already been achieved in the past 18 months,” he said.
