The Rab chief's apology for crimes committed must be followed by meaningful reforms.
But without political reforms, any change risks being superficial
Since its formation nearly two decades ago to curb organised crime and terrorism, the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) has been dogged by serious allegations of human rights violations. Rights activists and critics accused it of morphing into a “government death squad” that operated with impunity.
False case victims and evidence manipulation underscore the need for accountability within our law enforcement agencies.
Instead, investigate and stop human rights violators
The message between the lines is that the US is keeping a very close eye on Bangladesh at the moment.
BTRC, RAB conducted a drive at Siddhirganj’s Kassaf Shopping Centre
Even if the state has an objection against a citizen’s activity, can they legally pick up that person?
Rab’s modus operandi again comes into question as calls for independent investigation grow
Abu Jafar’s family was sure that he had been living in the Maldives for the last three years. He last visited Bangladesh in 2019 and left home saying he was going to the Maldives.
It is unfortunate that security agencies have been used in a manner that has generated more fear in people’s mind than confidence and faith in them.
Visiting US Assistant Secretary Donald Lu yesterday expressed satisfaction that Rab reduced extrajudicial killings since late 2021, when the US imposed sanctions on the force.
In response to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent comment that it was the US that created and trained Rapid Action Battalion, the US State Department said it had ended assistance to the Rab in 2018 based on credible information of gross human rights violations.
A man, Nurul Afsar Hawladar, who was picked up from Uttara on September 22 allegedly by Rab, was shown arrested in Cox's Bazar yesterday (October 9, 2022).
The Rab unit, whose members allegedly framed eight Mirpur teenagers for extortion, has now taken over the charge of investigation from Pallabi police.
Four years ago, some plainclothesmen picked up Mohon Mia from his Mirpur house. He has never returned home again. His father Jamsher Ali, a trader, has long insisted he has proof that Rab-4 members took his elder son away without giving any reason.
Bizarre turn of events shows citizens' vulnerability to power abuse
Prime Minister sheikh Hasina today came down heavily on the USA for imposing sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion and some of its officials, terming it an “abominable move”.
Bangladesh has said Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) is facing difficulties in conducting its operations due to US-imposed sanctions and this might encourage radical elements in the country and make the law-and-order situation worse and create regional instability.
