Will make RAB a reputed force in Narayanganj: Benazir

The new Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Benazir Ahmed, has promised to make it a ‘reputed’ outfit in Narayanganj, where some of its members were involved in the sensational seven-murder case.

After taking over the force’s leadership on Wednesday, he said, “RAB has many technologies. I want to make it a reputed force in this area. I need government and everyone’s help for this.”

Benazir was Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner for the past four years. After RAB chief Mokhlesur Rahman retired, Benazir replaced him on Dec 30.

On Wednesday morning, he joined the new office at the RAB headquarters at Uttara. He briefed the media at noon.

The new chief said RAB had been playing a leading role in maintaining law and order and controlling terrorists. “I need everyone’s opinion and help because people of the country have confidence in RAB. This force manifests people’s love and represents honourable citizens.”

Benazir, who joined the police in 1985, said he would make RAB the “most disciplined” and a ‘high-tech’ force.

After its constitution in 2004, RAB’s role in combating terrorists was praised though it has often being criticised for extrajudicial killings in the name of crossfire and gunfights.

Several human-rights organisations have even demanded its disbanding.

RAB’s internal investigation last year found that some members of the force were involved in the murder of seven people, including Narayanganj City Corporation Councillor Nazrul Islam and senior lawyer Chandan Kumar Sarker.

Asked what he would do to improve the force’s tarnished image, Benazir said it was an isolated incident. “But no one will be spared if found to have committed a crime. Legal steps have been initiated against those involved in that incident.”

He also refuted the allegation that RAB was being used for political gain.

“Those who politicise everything will continue doing so,” he argued.