Dhaka, Mar 27 (bdnews24.com) – Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has captured over 117,000 suspected criminals and brought them to justice in the last eight years since its formation, chief of the elite crime busting force Mukhlesur Rahman said on Tuesday.
Besides, the force seized around 10,000 firearms, 82,000 bombs, 5,000 cocktails and grenades, and over 4,000 kilograms of explosives.
The RAB director general divulged the information at a function at its headquarters organised to mark the eighth anniversary of the special force.
Claiming that the elite force has been praised at home and abroad for its role in curbing religious militancy and extremism, Rahman said over 800 militants have so far been arrested.
"The expectations of the people from RAB are increasing day-by-day for its laudable role in law and order maintenance. RAB has secured prestigious Swadhinata Padak within a short time for its outstanding success," he added.
"Despite the great success, we have noticed some weaknesses in the recent past. Some RAB members have tarnished the image of the force by engaging themselves in undesirable activities, which is never expected."
Rahman told the RAB men: "You'll have to keep in mind that RAB is an elite force. So all should hold the pride of the force in mind and refrain from all sorts of activities that go against discipline."
Formed on Mar 26, 2004, the paramilitary force has faced severe criticism at home and abroad for extra-judicial killings in the name of encounter, crossfire, gunfights, shootouts and gun-battle.
Home minister Shahara Khatun, state minister for home Shamsul Haque and senior elite force officials were present at the function.
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