THE Rapid Action Battalion was formally established on March 26, 2004, under the Armed Police Battalion (Amendment) Act, 2003, as an elite law enforcement unit in Bangladesh, operating under the ministry of home affairs. As a paramilitary force, RAB was designed to address challenges in combating terrorism, organised crime, and narcotics trafficking. Its personnel are drawn from the Bangladesh Police, Army, and other security forces, ensuring a blend of skills and expertise. While RAB has gained recognition for its successes, its reputation has been marred by allegations of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture.

Since its inception, RAB has played a critical role in curbing terrorism and organised crime in Bangladesh. By apprehending high-profile criminals and preventing several planned terrorist attacks, RAB has helped stabilise urban areas and mitigated risks from radical organisations like Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh and Ansar al-Islam. In the early 2000s, when Bangladesh was grappling with an upsurge in terrorism, RAB’s rapid-response capabilities and specialised personnel proved instrumental in dismantling several violent networks, creating a safer environment for Bangladeshi citizens.

Despite its role in combating crime, RAB has faced severe criticism from human rights organisations over alleged abuses, including extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and torture. Reports by groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch document hundreds of deaths under suspicious circumstances from 2004 to 2020, often implicating RAB in excessive force. Forced disappearances, primarily targeting political activists, opposition figures, and accused terrorists, have left families without any contact or information on the fate of their loved ones. Additionally, accounts of torture and arbitrary arrests have intensified concerns regarding RAB’s methods and adherence to legal standards, sparking ethical and legal questions about its operations.

In response to mounting concerns, international bodies, including the United Nations and the United States, have strongly condemned the methods of RAB. In December 2021, the US Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on the RAB and several of its officials under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, citing serious human rights violations. Similarly, the executive director of Human Rights Watch recently urged chief advisor Muhammad Yunus, representing Bangladesh’s interim government, to dissolve RAB. All these emphasise increasing international pressure on Bangladesh to improve transparency and accountability within its elite forces.

The international pressure reflects a broader call for Bangladesh to improve transparency and accountability within its law enforcement structures. Furthermore, the US sanctions have strained Bangladesh-US relations, emphasising the need for Bangladesh to consider structural reforms within RAB to address human rights concerns and mitigate diplomatic repercussions. Domestically, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has also pledged that, if it comes to power, it will disband RAB, reinforcing both local and international calls for change.

Critics argue that the issues with RAB are partly rooted in its militaristic structure, which contrasts sharply with the principles of civil policing. Civil policing is fundamentally meant to safeguard citizens’ rights and operate within constitutional boundaries, whereas a military framework is designed to defend the sovereignty of the country against external threats, often through the use of force. The distinction between these roles is crucial, as soldiers are trained to neutralise threats with maximum force, which may conflict with the de-escalation and negotiation skills needed in effective policing. RAB’s combination of personnel from the military and police creates a conflicting set of priorities that may contribute to its excessive use of force. The militarised nature of RAB has, therefore, raised concerns about the suitability of its approach to civilian law enforcement. In contrast, civil policing emphasises the protection of lives, property, and rights, which differs from the military’s focus on maintaining order through the application of force. This ideological misalignment within RAB has led many to question the appropriateness of military personnel conducting policing operations.

Forces drawn from different organisations, including the armed forces, border guards, police, and Ansar, have unique roles and distinct mindsets, presenting challenges when unified under a single command. Mistrust and perceived superiority among these services often hinder collaboration and camaraderie, particularly during crises, where such divisions can lead to command conflicts. During the terrorist attack at the Holy Artisan Bakery, RAB, as an elite force, was expected to play a pivotal role. Ultimately, commandos from the Bangladeshi army undertook ‘Operation Thunderbolt’ to neutralise the attackers and rescue all hostages. The inability to fully integrate these diverse elements in the event of any crisis under a unified command structure weakens RAB’s operational effectiveness, especially in critical situations. Additionally, police officers are hesitant to join the RAB due to concerns about being commanded and supervised by officers from different services. This reluctance is also evident among personnel from other forces. The Police Act legally recognises all police officers as officers, while the subordinate ranks of other organisations hold different statuses, further complicating inter-service unity within the RAB.

Dissolving RAB without a suitable replacement could embolden criminal groups, increase crime, and compromise national security. Local law enforcement, like the Bangladesh Police, may struggle with RAB’s absence, lacking its specialised training and resources for counterterrorism and rapid response. High-stakes operations would shift to other police units, likely straining resources and necessitating costly restructuring. RAB’s absence could also leave security gaps in previously stabilised regions, potentially surging crime rates and creating power vacuums that may fuel further violence or tension.

A viable solution for Bangladesh could be establishing specialised civil police units, akin to the UK’s Counter Terrorism Command or France’s RAID, specifically trained for high-risk situations such as counter-terrorism but rooted in civil law enforcement. This would enable Bangladesh to maintain RAB’s operational effectiveness while reducing its dependency on other personnel, whose training may lack the nuances required for civil policing. Several countries have adopted similar models that address violent crime and terrorism within a legal framework that prioritises civil rights. Germany’s GSG 9 and the Netherlands’ Special Interventions Service, for instance, operate under strict legal oversight, ensuring that they stay within their mandates and uphold human rights. These units are well-trained in crisis negotiation and the proportional use of force, significantly lowering the risk of civilian harm and misuse of power.

Returning to their original units, RAB personnel may face reintegration challenges due to differences in routines, culture, and work tempo. The shift from an elite unit to standard service can affect morale, disrupt unit cohesion, and create frustration due to differing operational expectations. The high-stress environment of RAB can also lead to lasting psychological effects. Although RAB service enhances skills and inter-service cooperation, it requires resource-intensive training, and reintegration may need further support to align personnel with their original roles effectively.

The dissolution of RAB presents a complex scenario with profound implications for Bangladesh’s security, political landscape, human rights record, and international relations. While the dissolution would likely lead to short-term security concerns and transitional challenges, the long-term effects could pave the way for a more accountable, rights-orientated approach to law enforcement in Bangladesh. Successfully navigating this shift would depend on comprehensive reforms, public engagement, and sustained international support, ensuring that Bangladesh’s law enforcement system evolves to balance effective crime prevention with respect for civil liberties and human rights.

Dr Md Motiar Rahman, a retired deputy inspector general, works at Anjuman Mufidul Islam.