Play store
The government has approved the draft of the Armed Police Battalions Act, 2026, proposing to empower members of the Armed Police Battalion (APBN) to investigate criminal offences and conduct related proceedings.
The draft received both in-principle and final approval at a Cabinet meeting on Monday, subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.
Under the proposed law, APBN personnel will be able to investigate criminal offences in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure and other applicable laws. At present, APBN members generally hand over suspects to police stations after conducting operations and making arrests.
The proposed legislation also assigns APBN responsibilities for maintaining public security, protecting VIPs and important government installations, and taking action against terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, rape and crimes against humanity. The force will also assist other law-enforcement agencies when necessary.
The draft further includes provisions for establishing special and summary courts and conducting judicial proceedings under the proposed law.
The new legislation is intended to replace the Armed Police Battalions Ordinance, 1979, with a modern law in Bangla and make the force more people-oriented and effective.