From RAB to SRB: TIB warns of more empowered, unaccountable force

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Sunday warned that the proposed Special Response Battalion (SRB) could become a more empowered and virtually unaccountable version of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) unless fundamental reforms are made to its powers, personnel and accountability mechanisms.

In a statement issued to the media, TIB said the Special Response Battalion Bill, 2026, tabled in parliament to establish a new specialised police unit following the abolition of RAB, retains several provisions that could lead to abuse of power.

The rights watchdog expressed concern over the proposed force’s broad and ambiguous powers, inadequate safeguards on the use of firearms and force, provisions allowing searches and arrests without warrants based on suspicion, and an internal complaints mechanism that could create a conflict of interest.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said abolishing RAB was a long-overdue policy decision, but simply changing the name of the force would not amount to institutional reform.

“Fundamental changes must be made to the structure, personnel, powers, use-of-force provisions and accountability mechanisms of the new force,” he said.

He warned that creating a force with similar powers and institutional culture under a new name could amount to “repackaging the old institution”.

TIB also called for the provision allowing members of the armed forces and other defence personnel to join the SRB on deputation to be removed permanently.

Iftekharuzzaman said such a provision could perpetuate the use of military tactics in internal policing. He also criticised the proposed transfer of RAB personnel to the SRB without a vetting process.

He urged the authorities to introduce a transparent and impartial vetting system to ensure that anyone accused of or involved in extrajudicial killings, torture or enforced disappearance while serving in RAB is not transferred to the new force.

TIB also raised concerns over the proposed SRB’s wide-ranging powers, including intelligence surveillance, operations, searches and investigations.

According to the organisation, vague provisions relating to “maintaining internal security” and performing “other duties as directed by the government” could create scope for suppressing dissent or using the force for political purposes.

It also criticised provisions allowing searches and arrests without warrants on the basis of suspicion, as well as the proposed detention and interrogation facilities of the force.

TIB said these provisions raise concerns about compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and constitutional rights.

The organisation also objected to the complaints mechanism proposed under Section 22 of the bill.

It said the proposed Complaints Redress Committee, comprising senior officials of the force, would not be sufficiently independent to investigate allegations of serious rights violations by its own members.

TIB called for an independent civilian oversight body comprising human rights and legal experts to investigate complaints against the SRB.

It also demanded that investigation reports be made public and that legal safeguards be introduced to ensure compensation and rehabilitation for victims.

TIB said the abolition of RAB provides an opportunity to establish a genuinely reformed law-enforcement institution based on the rule of law, respect for citizens’ rights and effective accountability.

The organisation has already sent a detailed policy brief, including a section-by-section analysis of the bill and recommendations, to the relevant minister and the parliamentary committee.

It urged the government to finalise the law only after considering the recommendations and ensuring meaningful consultation with relevant experts and stakeholders.

The SRB Bill was placed in the Jatiya Sangsad on 3 September by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Home Affairs for scrutiny. The committee was asked to submit its report within four working days.