Parliament passes bill to abolish RAB, form SRB

Parliament has passed a bill to abolish the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and form a 'Special Response Battalion (SRB)' along similar lines. The bill was passed by voice vote on Thursday, September 10, amid objections from the opposition.

A proposal by opposition members to send the bill to a public opinion scrutiny and selection committee was rejected by voice vote. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed then placed the bill in parliament for passage.

While placing the bill, the Home Minister said the SRB is being formed due to the demands of society.

Earlier, opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman and several Jamaat-e-Islami MPs called for the bill not to be passed. Shafiqur Rahman said the overall experience of RAB since its establishment has not been pleasant. While it had some positive aspects, its negative aspects were so numerous that the entire world became concerned.

Noting that no one had demanded the restructuring of RAB, he said the demand was to abolish the force. But now the same structure has been kept without any change, he said, urging the Home Minister to withdraw the bill instead of passing it.

After the opposition leader's speech, BNP MP Lutfozzaman Babar spoke. He was the State Minister for Home Affairs when RAB was formed in 2004. While criticising RAB's negative aspects, Babar said a force like RAB is still needed.

Responding to the opposition members, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said it is true that no one demanded the abolition of RAB and the formation of a new force. However, this is a demand and need of society. In response to society's demand, RAB is being abolished and the SRB is being formed.

Citing the example of enacting new laws in line with society's needs to curb crime, the Home Minister said laws are also being amended to curb cybercrime. The government is also considering forming a cyber security unit under the police department.