Disband RAB, BNP again demands

The BNP has renewed its demand for disbanding the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) after media reports said 18 personnel were taken off duty over allegations of embezzlement.

Party’s spokesperson Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir argued that the force lost its utility.

“Most of the incidents of forced disappearance and abductions are blamed on the RAB. A state apparatus carrying out murders for money is unacceptable,” he told a rally in Dhaka on Monday.

BNP chief Khaleda Zia twice demanded breaking up the elite force dubbing it a ‘menace’ after several RAB members were accused of abduction and killing of seven people in Narayanganj last month.

Fakhrul said, “There’s no need for RAB anymore. Our leader (Khaleda) and eminent citizens have demanded dissolution of the force.”

On Monday, DMP News reported withdrawal of 18 officials of RAB’s Crime Prevention Company-3 including its commander Maj Ali Ahsan.

RAB Director General Mokhlesur Rahman has confirmed their removal.

BNP leader Fakhrul argued that RAB was formed during his party’s term in office to combat militancy and terrorism in Bangladesh.

“The Awami League is using the force for political purposes. RAB is killing people instead of protecting them,” he alleged.

He took a dig at the ruling party for refusing to disband RAB.

Fakhrul claimed 310 party activists had been either abducted or forced into disappearance over the past three months.

“It becomes a matter of great concern when the law-enforcing agencies are involved with such crimes,” he said.