RAB is necessary and the govt will decide about reforms, says RAB director general

“Our job is to continue performing our duties. Since we are availing government facilities, we must present RAB positively through our work,” the RAB DG says

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) chief Additional IGP Ahsan Habib Palash, who assumed office about a week ago, believes that any decision on restructuring or reforming the force rests with the government.

Speaking to journalists for the first time at the RAB headquarters on Sunday, the director general made the remarks in response to a question and also highlighted the necessity of the force

“The responsibility for any decision regarding the dissolution of RAB or any matter concerning it does not lie with the force itself. The government will consider these issues. Our job is to continue performing our duties. Since we are availing government facilities, we must present RAB positively through our work.”

Having worked outside RAB for a long time before taking charge, he was asked about the force’s weaknesses. He said, “I believe such a force is necessary. There is no scope to deny it. RAB is an organisation of the police. It should not be viewed separately. There is no disagreement about the need for RAB. From the outside and now from within, I find its structure and impression to be better. I think it is possible to take RAB forward in a more professional and humane manner.”

In response to a question about past political use of RAB, he said: “If you review our activities over the past one and a half years, you will see that there is little history of wrongdoing or misconduct. This proves that if RAB is managed properly, it can function properly. I believe the government is trying to engage RAB in positive work. I am optimistic that RAB will be run properly, and I have received directives from the government in this regard.”

While responding to another question, the RAB chief expressed his commitment to ensuring a more humane approach in the force’s operations.

RAB is often described as a specialised force for combating militancy. After Aug 5, 2024, the government has said there is no militancy in the country. Asked whether militancy exists, the RAB chief said: “I will not provide a direct answer on whether militancy or terrorism exists. However, we are working regardless of whether it exists or not. If there is any kind of extremist ideology, we are addressing it and our operations are ongoing. Whatever form it takes, we will be able to eliminate it.”

On juvenile gangs, he said: “From what I have learned, juvenile gangs are becoming increasingly prominent. We are working on this issue.”

He also urged journalists to publish the names of those behind such groups, saying, “If these groups can be socially condemned, it will make RAB’s work easier.”

The RAB chief said allegations of human rights violations within the force are regularly investigated and no accused is spared.

Responding to a question about international sanctions on RAB, he said: “If we analyse when and why these issues arose since the formation of RAB, it will be clear that there may have been some deviations and wrong steps in operations. If we can reform those areas, then the sanctions will no longer remain. We have to prove it through our work.”