Home Affairs Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has urged members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) to move forward with renewed dedication, leaving behind the past.
He also emphasized the need to stop using RAB for political purposes and called for adherence to the law and the preservation of human rights in all operations.
Speaking as the chief guest at the 21st anniversary celebration of RAB Forces Headquarters in Uttara, Dhaka, on Wednesday, the adviser made these remarks. The information was shared in a press release issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“RAB must operate within the law while upholding human rights,” said the adviser. “The current interim government is committed to establishing good governance, human rights, and justice.”
He stated that the government is currently working on reevaluating, reforming, and restructuring RAB to uphold the rule of law, and expressed hope that the public will soon witness the positive outcomes of these efforts.
Criticizing the previous Awami League-led administration, he said that when RAB started being used as a political tool—especially to suppress opposition—allegations of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other human rights violations began to emerge.
“These violations peaked under the former authoritarian government. Hence, using RAB for political interests must be completely discontinued,” he added.
The adviser acknowledged RAB’s ongoing role in maintaining law and order through arresting criminals, recovering illegal weapons, and conducting anti-drug operations.
