The New York-based international human rights organization, Human Rights Watch (HRW), has called for the disbandment of Bangladesh’s elite force, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), citing serious human rights violations. In an open letter addressed to Bangladesh’s Interim Government Chief Advisor, Professor Muhammad Yunus, HRW emphasized that RAB has long enjoyed impunity and urged the Bangladeshi government to investigate allegations of human rights abuses against the force.
RAB has faced accusations of crossfire incidents, bribery, extortion, and the enforced disappearances of anti-government activists. Since the imposition of U.S. sanctions in 2021, some changes have been observed in RAB’s operations, but human rights activist Noor Khan Liton has called for the immediate abolition of the force. According to him, RAB has instilled fear and panic in society, and he believes that the police force, rather than an elite force, should be restructured and made more efficient.
While some advocate for RAB’s dissolution, military experts propose reforming the force instead. Retired Major General M Muniruzzaman has argued that RAB is a necessary state institution, but its operations should be modified to address concerns.
- Advertisement -
Concerns have also been raised regarding the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), with human rights groups accusing the agency of coordinating enforced disappearances. There have been calls to limit DGFI’s activities outside of military cantonments. Retired Major General Moniruzzaman echoed these concerns, stressing the need for greater accountability of intelligence agencies and recommending that they be held responsible before a parliamentary committee.
The calls for reform and accountability highlight ongoing concerns about human rights violations in Bangladesh, as well as debates about the role and oversight of security agencies.