APBn will be able to investigate criminal offences

The Cabinet has given principle and final approval to the draft of the ‘Armed Police Battalion Act, 2026’ under which the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) is getting the power to investigate criminal offences and conduct related activities.

This approval was given at the Cabinet meeting held at the Secretariat on Monday (August 24). Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presided over the meeting. This information was informed in a press release of the Cabinet Division after the meeting.

It has been said in the press release that with the aim of making the APBn formed under ‘The Armed Police Battalions Ordinance, 1979’ more people-friendly, the existing ordinance has been updated and the draft of the ‘Armed Police Battalion Act, 2026’ has been prepared in Bangla. The draft has been published on the website of the Home Ministry for public opinion.

Provision has been kept in the proposed law to repeal the existing ordinance. However, there will be provision for continuity and custody of the activities performed under that ordinance.

According to the draft law, this battalion under the police force will be operated under the control and supervision of an additional inspector general of police.

Proposal has been made to give APBn the responsibility of protecting public security, security of important persons, security of establishments declared by the government and taking action against persons involved in terrorism, drugs, human trafficking, rape and crimes against humanity. Alongside APBn will assist other law enforcement agencies.

It has been said in the proposed law to give the members of APBn the power to investigate criminal offences and conduct related activities by following the Code of Criminal Procedure and other existing laws.

Besides, proposal has been made to keep provision in the law for formation of special courts and summary courts and conducting trials in these courts.

The Cabinet Division has informed that the draft of the ‘Armed Police Battalion Act, 2026’ has been given final approval subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.