Govt proposes replacing RAB with Special Response Battalion

The government has moved to abolish the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and replace it with a new specialised unit named the Special Response Battalion (SRB) under a proposed law published for public opinion.

The draft Special Response Battalion (SRB) Act, 2026 has been uploaded to the Ministry of Home Affairs' website for public consultation.

The proposed law seeks to establish the new unit under the Bangladesh Police, providing a legal framework for its structure, operations, investigations, disciplinary procedures and a separate complaints redress committee to address allegations against its members.

According to officials at the Ministry of Home Affairs, the draft will be circulated among relevant ministries and divisions for their opinions before being placed before the Cabinet. If approved, it will be presented to Parliament for enactment.

Once the new law comes into force, the existing legal framework governing RAB will be repealed. However, current regulations will remain in force with necessary adaptations until new rules are formulated.

Under the proposed law, the SRB will function as a specialised unit of the Bangladesh Police, headed by a director general with the rank of additional inspector general of police (Additional IGP). The force may establish battalions, companies, platoons and sections as required, with its headquarters in Dhaka and units across the country.

The draft also proposes allowing personnel from other law enforcement agencies to serve in the SRB on deputation for a minimum of two years.

The SRB's proposed responsibilities include maintaining internal security, gathering intelligence, recovering illegal arms and explosives, combating narcotics, cybercrime, human trafficking, organised crime and terrorism, as well as assisting other law enforcement agencies.

The unit would also be empowered to file and investigate cases on the instructions of courts, the government or the Inspector General of Police (IGP). Its members would be authorised to conduct searches, seizures and arrests in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The proposed law further provides for the establishment of the SRB's own detention facilities, evidence storage and interrogation rooms, while investigations would have to be conducted by officers of at least sub-inspector rank in compliance with the Code of Criminal Procedure and Police Regulations.

A key feature of the draft law is the creation of an independent complaints redress committee to investigate allegations against SRB personnel and strengthen accountability.

The committee would be chaired by an additional director general of the SRB and include representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Police Headquarters, the SRB's legal and media wing, and a government-nominated member with at least 10 years' experience in human rights, law or judicial administration.

The committee would be authorised to investigate public complaints, form inquiry teams where necessary and recommend action if allegations are found to have merit.

The draft law also outlines disciplinary provisions for SRB personnel, including action against members involved in misconduct such as drug abuse while on duty, insubordination, negligence, extortion, misuse of government weapons or equipment, assisting offenders to escape, gambling or other unlawful activities.

It further states that all assets, personnel, funds, liabilities, ongoing cases, administrative functions and existing agreements of RAB would automatically be transferred to the SRB once the new law takes effect.