US imposes sanctions on Rab, its officials over human rights abuse

The United States imposed human rights-related sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion and six current and former top officials of the agency.

The US Department of State announced visa restrictions on Benazir Ahmed, former director general of Rab, due to his involvement "in gross violations of human rights", making him ineligible for entry into the United States, said a press statement by US Department of Treasury, published on its website.

Contacted, Rab declined to make any comments.

An official of Rab, wishing not to be named, said, "We would not make any comment on it. Foreign ministry or Police Headquarters will address the issue."

"It's a matter of the US government, but we are observing," he added.

The United States on Friday imposed extensive human rights-related sanctions on dozens of people and entities tied to China, Myanmar, North Korea and Bangladesh, and added Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime Group to an investment blacklist, reports Reuters.

Canada and the United Kingdom joined the United States in imposing sanctions related to human rights abuse in Myanmar, while Washington also imposed the first new sanctions on North Korea under President Joe Biden's administration and targeted Myanmar military entities, among others, in action marking Human Rights Day.

The North Korean mission at the United Nations and the Chinese, Myanmar and Bangladesh embassies in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment when contacted by Reuters.