In a significant move to overhaul Bangladesh's law enforcement apparatus, the Jatiya Sangsad passed the Special Response Battalion (SRB) Bill, 2026, which aims to abolish the controversial Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and establish a new Special Response Battalion (SRB). Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed presented the bill, which was passed by voice vote. The SRB Bill seeks to remove provisions related to RAB from the Armed Police Battalions Ordinance, 2003, and establish a new unit under the police force.
Background and Context
The RAB, formed in 2004, has long been a subject of controversy due to allegations of human rights violations and enforced disappearances. The government's decision to repeal the ordinance that provided the legal basis for RAB and enact separate laws for the SRB and the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) signifies a major shift in the country's law enforcement strategy. The SRB will be formed by deploying or appointing, on deputation, police personnel, members of law enforcement agencies, and a specified number of officers, armed personnel or employees, according to government requirements.
Key Provisions and Opposition
The SRB Bill provides for an SRB under the police force, with its own flag, emblem, and prescribed uniform. The director general of the SRB will be a serving police officer holding a rank no lower than additional inspector general of police. The bill also includes provisions for transferring RAB's manpower, orders, powers, authority, existing facilities, funds, and other assets to the SRB. Opposition members, including the Leader of the Opposition Dr. Md. Shafiqur Rahman and several Jamaat-e-Islami lawmakers, called for sending the bill to a select committee and seeking public opinion before its passage. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed defended the bill, stating that abolishing RAB was a commitment made by the BNP and that delaying the bill would mean allowing RAB to continue to exist.
The passage of the SRB Bill is expected to have significant implications for law enforcement in Bangladesh. The new SRB will have powers to investigate criminal offences, conduct searches, make arrests, and seize property. The bill also provides for a complaint redress committee to deal with complaints from citizens and internal grievances of unit members. This move is part of a broader effort to reform the country's security apparatus and address concerns over human rights violations.
In addition to the SRB Bill, the Jatiya Sangsad also passed the Armed Police Battalions (APBn) Bill, 2026, which repeals the Armed Police Battalions Ordinance, 1979. The APBn Bill provides for APBn units under the police force, including the Special Security and Protection Battalion, hill battalions, airport battalions, and any other battalions specified by the government. The proposed law gives APBn powers to investigate criminal offences and conduct searches, seizures, and arrests, subject to the Code of Criminal Procedure and other applicable laws. The bill also includes provisions to bar APBn members from publishing information or documents in electronic media or newspapers without prior approval from the competent authorities.
