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Parliament on Thursday passed the Armed Police Battalions (APBN) Bill, 2026, replacing the existing Armed Police Battalions Ordinance and granting the specialised police unit direct legal authority to investigate criminal offences within its jurisdiction.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed placed the bill before Parliament. Opposition lawmakers took part in the discussion, proposing that it be sent to a public scrutiny process and a parliamentary scrutiny committee. After the proposals were disposed of, the bill was passed by voice vote.
Under the new law, the Armed Police Battalions (APBN) will operate as a specialised unit of the Bangladesh Police. The unit will include the Special Security and Protection Battalion, the Parbatya Battalion, the Airport Battalion and any other specialised battalion designated by the government when necessary.
The new legislation gives APBN personnel direct legal authority to investigate criminal offences within their jurisdiction. Subject to the Code of Criminal Procedure and other applicable laws, they will have the power to enter crime scenes, conduct searches, seize evidence and property, and arrest suspected offenders.
The bill also includes provisions aimed at protecting the administrative information of the law-enforcement unit.
Under the provision, no APBN member will be allowed, without prior approval from the authorities, to directly or indirectly disclose any information, official document or sensitive matter to electronic media or newspapers, or assist in its publication.
