APBn to get power to investigate criminal offences, bill passed in parliament

The 'Armed Police Battalion (APBn) Bill-2026' has been passed in the National Parliament, aiming to enact a new law by repealing the existing 'Armed Police Battalion Ordinance'. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed placed the bill in parliament on Thursday. Opposition members participated in the discussion, proposing to send the bill to a public opinion scrutiny and selection committee. After their proposal was disposed of, the bill was passed by voice vote.

The passed bill states that the Armed Police Battalion will be constituted and operated as a specialised unit of the Bangladesh Police force. The unit will include the Special Security and Protection Battalion, the Hill Battalion, the Airport Battalion and, if necessary, any other special battalion determined by the government.

Under the new law, APBn has been given direct legal authority to investigate criminal offences within its own jurisdiction. As a result, members of APBn will be able to enter crime scenes, conduct searches, seize evidence and goods, and arrest suspected accused in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code and other laws in force in the country.

The bill also includes special provisions for protecting APBn's administrative information. It states that no member of APBn may, without prior permission from the authorities, directly or indirectly disclose any information, official documents or sensitive matters to any electronic media or newspaper. Similarly, no assistance may be provided in disclosing such information or matters.