RAB to be abolished, replaced by SRB, draft law approved

The Cabinet has approved the draft of the "Special Response Battalion (SRB) Act, 2026," which includes provisions to abolish the existing Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and establish a new specialized unit named the Special Response Battalion (SRB) under the police force.

The draft of the law was approved during the 17th Cabinet meeting held at the Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday (August 17) evening. The decision was later disclosed in a press release from the Cabinet Division. The draft received final approval subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.

The Cabinet Division stated that one of the main features of the proposed law is the abolition of the existing RAB and the establishment of a specialized unit named SRB under the police force. The structure and operations of this new unit will be conducted in accordance with the law.

The draft law includes provisions for establishing a multi-party grievance redress committee to resolve citizens' complaints as well as internal grievances or discontent among SRB members. Through this, a specific mechanism will be in place to resolve complaints raised against the unit, according to the Cabinet Division.

Additionally, provisions have been made to transfer RAB's existing manpower, orders, powers, authority, privileges, funds, properties, accounts, records, and other related assets to the SRB. This means that assets and administrative matters associated with RAB's current structure will be transferred under the new unit.

Arrangements have also been made to maintain RAB's existing rules regarding departmental proceedings, with necessary adaptations, until new regulations are framed. As a result, continuity will be maintained in conducting relevant administrative operations until the new SRB regulations come into effect.