Opposition lawmakers warn the new force could become a continuation of RAB under a different name.
Members of the Rapid Action Battalion. File photo: Reuters
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Members of the Rapid Action Battalion. File photo: Reuters
Parliament today (10 September) passed two bills providing for the abolition of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and formation of a new Special Response Battalion (SRB), while expanding the criminal investigation powers of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn).
The bills were passed by voice vote amid strong objections from opposition lawmakers.
The Special Response Battalion Bill 2026 came under extensive discussion before its passage, with opposition lawmakers seeking that it be sent for public opinion and scrutiny and proposing several amendments. Their proposals were rejected by voice vote.
Opposition lawmakers warned that the new force could effectively become a continuation of RAB under a different name.
Similar concerns were raised in the parliamentary committee’s dissent note, particularly over the direct transfer of RAB’s manpower, assets, powers and records to the proposed SRB.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed placed both bills in parliament.
They were originally introduced on 3 September and later sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Home Affairs for scrutiny. The committee’s report included notes of dissent from opposition members.
Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman opposed replacing RAB with SRB, arguing that establishing a force of a similar nature under a new name would not meet the expectations of the public or the international community.
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