Paramilitary force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) was formed in March 2004 with the commitment to root out terrorism and commenced operations on April 14 the same year when the BNP-Jamaat-led four-party alliance was in power.

Equipped with sophisticated arms, advanced technological support and a trained dog squad, RAB personnel were trained on interrogation by the UK and on human rights by the US. The 10 truckloads of automatic submachine-guns, AK 47 rifles and other modern arms and ammunition seized in the largest ever arms haul in Chittagong in April 2004 were also handed over to the elite force, according to whistleblowing website WikiLeaks.

Apart from the alleged violation of rights, the elite force on many occasions had reportedly been used for political purpose.

Moreover, lack of coordination among the police and RAB was seen in investigating some sensational cases in the recent times that caused confusion and misunderstanding. In some cases, police and RAB came up with contradictory findings.

* It’s mission is to “prevent crime and apprehend criminals”.

* “Bangladesh is my pride” is the motto of all RAB members.

* Capabilities of the elite force are ensuring internal security, carrying out government assignments, detaining armed gangs of criminals and recovery of unauthorised arms, gathering intelligence on crimes and assisting other law enforcing agencies.

Opinions

Awami League:
In 2005: “On the political front, only Awami League leaders had condemned ‘crossfire’ deaths, calling them politically-motivated executions. Party President Sheikh ‪#‎Hasina‬ called for disbanding Rapid Action Battalion RAB.”‪#‎WikiLeaks‬

In 2015: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday appreciated the role of RAB in combating militancy and terrorism. She said the elite force was playing an important role in maintaining law and order situation of the country.
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