Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed profound concerns over the “Special Response Battalion (SRB) Bill, 20260”, which was tabled in Parliament to dissolve the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and form a new specialised police unit.
The anti-graft watchdog cautioned that the proposed legislation practically establishes the legal foundation for a more empowered and virtually unaccountable RAB under a new name.
In a press release issued last Sunday, the organisation highlighted the delegation of broad and vague powers to the proposed “SRB.”
It pointed to the absence of adequate legal safeguards concerning the use of weapons and force, alongside provisions that allow searches and arrests without a warrant based on mere suspicion.
TIB also drew attention to the conflict-of-interest-ridden nature of the internal complaint resolution mechanism outlined in the bill.
Moreover, the watchdog expressed serious concern over the risks associated with transferring existing RAB personnel to the new force without undergoing proper vetting, as well as the continuation of provisions that allow members of the armed forces to be included in the new battalion on deputation.
