Sanction on RAB without any reason is unfortunate: PM

Imposing sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) without any valid reason is unfortunate, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said today.

"The United States, which has imposed sanctions on our RAB, do not even punish those who kill people in their country without any reason," she made the remarks during the celebrations of 18th founding anniversary of RAB.

"Those who shelter criminals are the ones who imposed the sanction. However, if such incidents take place in Bangladesh, accused people are brought under trial," said Sheikh Hasina.

The PM further said, "US might have imposed the sanction envying the success of the battalion."

She also said that some people of the country spread misinformation about RAB as well.

Praising the role of RAB, the premier said, "RAB is ensuring public safety by curbing crimes including terrorism and militancy. This force also plays an important role in drug eradication."

"The pathway for drug peddling has been identified. A full-fledged battalion is being set up in Cox's Bazar to curb drug smuggling", she added.

Earlier on 10 December 2021, the United States had sanctioned RAB and seven of its present and former top officials for "human rights abuse and repression."

In addition, the US State Department has barred Benazir Ahmed, current Inspector General of the Bangladesh Police and former Director General of Bangladesh's Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Miftah Uddin Ahmed, Lieutenant Colonel and former commanding officer of RAB Unit 7, from travelling to the US.

After that, the then US ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller was summoned by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen to convey Dhaka's discontent over the designated sanctions.

On 20 March, US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland said rescinding the sanction on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) is difficult and the ban by the United States is not going away right now.