RAB begins operations as SRB

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has been dissolved and begun operating under the new name Special Response Battalion (SRB), following the issuance of a gazette notification formalising the change.

SRB Director General Ahsan Habib Palash said the force started its operations under the new name on Wednesday.

“The gazette has been issued in the name of SRB. We have changed RAB’s name to SRB and started all activities under the new name from today,” he told bdnews24.com.

The force has also started using a new logo bearing the words “SRB Bangladesh” instead of RAB. However, the design of the logo remains unchanged, while the new emblem has appeared in press releases issued by various units.

The change came a day after a gazette notification brought into effect the law establishing the SRB. Parliament passed the Special Response Battalion Bill on September 10, abolishing RAB and establishing the new specialised police unit amid opposition objections.

Under the new law, RAB’s personnel, assets, facilities, records, funds, liabilities and other resources are transferred to the SRB.

The new unit will operate under the police and retain powers to investigate crimes, conduct searches, make arrests and seize property.

RAB was formed in 2004 during the BNP-Jamaat coalition government. While it gained recognition for its role in maintaining law and order, the force later faced allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and other human rights violations.

The United States imposed sanctions on RAB and seven of its officials in December 2021 over serious human rights concerns.

Following the July uprising, a police administration reform committee formed by the BNP in December 2024 recommended abolishing RAB.

The government has instead abolished RAB and reorganised the force under the SRB framework. The move has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers, who argued during the parliamentary debate that transferring RAB’s personnel and resources to the new unit amounted to retaining much of the old structure under a new name.