SRB must not become ‘new version of RAB’: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed apprehension that the initiative to abolish the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and form a new force named ‘Special Response Battalion (SRB)’ may bring back the old structure and powers of RAB under a new name. According to the organization, merely changing the name to form a new force will not stop the allegations of human rights violations and the culture of impunity raised against RAB.

TIB said in a statement sent to the media on Sunday that the ‘Special Response Battalion (SRB) Bill, 2026’ raised in parliament has left scope for giving the new force extensive and vague powers. Provisions have also been kept for search and arrest without warrant, use of arms and force, own lock-up and interrogation rooms, and internal complaint resolution, which may create gaps in accountability.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of TIB, said the decision to abolish RAB is positive but changing the name of a force does not bring institutional reform. Fundamental changes are needed in the structure, manpower, powers, provisions for use of force and accountability system of the new force to prevent the repetition of serious allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture against RAB.

He said bringing back the same type of powers and culture of the old force under a new name would be equivalent to merely changing the shell. Citizens or the international community cannot be misled through only external changes.

TIB has demanded permanent closure of the opportunity to appoint members of the armed forces or defence forces on deputation in SRB. According to the organization, the risk of excessive use of force will remain if there is scope to use military tactics in maintaining internal law and order.

The organization has also objected to the opportunity of transferring current members of RAB to SRB in a blanket manner without screening. TIB has demanded introduction of a transparent and impartial verification process so that members accused or involved in serious crimes such as extrajudicial killings, torture or enforced disappearances while serving in RAB cannot be included in the new force.

TIB has also expressed concern over giving SRB broad powers such as intelligence surveillance, operations, search and general investigation in the proposed law. In particular, it believes that vague phrases such as ‘protecting internal security’ and ‘other duties directed by the government’ may create scope for suppressing dissent or excessive use of force for political purposes in the future.

The organization has also raised questions over the opportunity for search and arrest without warrant merely on the basis of suspicion and the provision for keeping the force’s own lock-up and interrogation rooms. According to them, these provisions risk conflicting with civil and political rights and the fundamental rights recognized in the constitution.

TIB has also criticized the proposed complaint resolution system under section 22 of the bill. According to the organization, investigating complaints of serious human rights violations against members of the same force by a complaint redress committee formed with officers of the force will create a conflict of interest. For this reason, it has demanded formation of an independent and impartial oversight authority comprising human rights and law experts free from the influence of the police and the executive division.

The organization has also demanded legal protection to ensure publication of investigation reports of complaints in public and the rights of victims to compensation and rehabilitation.

TIB believes that the initiative to abolish RAB and form a new force has created an important opportunity for fundamental reform in the law enforcement system. This opportunity must be utilized to ensure clear boundaries of the powers of the new force, independent oversight, transparent member verification, judicial protection and effective remedies.

According to the organization, the main goal of forming SRB must be to establish a new law enforcement system based on the rule of law, citizens’ rights and effective accountability by ending the culture of human rights violations and impunity of RAB, not merely changing the name and structure of RAB.

TIB has also said that a detailed policy paper with clause-wise analysis and recommendations of the SRB bill has been sent to the relevant minister and the parliamentary committee. The organization has called for finalising the bill by considering the recommendations with the opinions of experts and stakeholders.