Specialised force like RAB needed for national security: Lutfozzaman Babar

A specialised force like the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) is essential to protect Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty and public security, said Netrokona-4 MP Lutfozzaman Babar.

He made the remarks during an unscheduled discussion in parliament today (10 September) on the proposed Special Response Battalion (SRB) Bill, 2026.

Babar said a specialised security force must be operated efficiently, with professionalism, respect and dedication, and must not be used for political purposes.

Referring to criticism from opposition lawmakers over RAB’s activities during the past 15 years, he said the force’s operations under the BNP government should also be considered.

He recalled RAB’s actions following the 17 August 2005 nationwide bomb blasts, its arrests of top criminals and its operations against extortion and threats to national security.

“An organisation like RAB is extremely necessary for this country. That is why RAB’s activities were conducted with great efficiency, respect and dedication,” said the former state minister.

Responding to allegations that RAB had been used for political purposes, Babar said the force was not used politically during the BNP government under instructions from then-prime minister Khaleda Zia.

He said he had recently discussed the issue with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who had raised the need for changes to RAB, although Babar said he believed the force itself did not need to be replaced.

“I did not speak to him afterwards. But I understand that an organisation like RAB is necessary,” he said.

Babar nevertheless backed the proposed formation of the SRB, saying a specialised force was necessary given the country’s current security environment.

He said bomb attacks continued to occur in Bangladesh and developments in neighbouring countries also needed to be taken into account.

Babar also referred to his own arrest on 28 May 2007, saying he had been implicated in what he described as a false arms case in which a RAB wing commander was a witness.

He said the way a law enforcement force operates largely depends on the government and home minister in charge, and that the SRB would also need to be run accordingly.

Assuring opposition lawmakers, Babar said the prime minister and home minister had assured them that the proposed SRB was necessary to protect the country’s independence, sovereignty and public safety.

He said some national security matters could not be disclosed publicly but argued that the current circumstances warranted such a force.

Babar urged opposition lawmakers to support the SRB initiative, saying the home minister had assured them that necessary amendments could later be made to the force’s structure or operations.