Dhaka has sought Washington's support for increased capacity of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) while visiting US state department counselor Derek Chollet acknowledged improvement in performance of the Bangladesh's elite anti-crime police unit.
"He (Momen) sought US support towards their (RAB) capacity building," the foreign ministry said in a statement after Chollet held a meeting with the Bangladesh foreign minister on Wednesday
Chollet, who serves as a senior policy advisor to the Secretary of State Antony Blinken, led a seven-member US delegation in the meeting.
The foreign ministry statement said the US side acknowledged RAB's improved performance but emphasized on its sustained reforms while the anti-crime force is now under a sanction imposed by Washington.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said the RAB is a key force in law enforcement and earned people's confidence and trust over the years.
On December 10, 2021, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the RAB, as well as seven of its current and former officers due to serious human rights violations.
Additionally, the State Department imposed sanctions on two individuals, Benazir Ahmed and Lt. Col. Miftah Uddin Ahmed, a former commanding officer of RAB Unit 7.
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