Home Advisor Jahangir tells RAB to leave past behind, revive motivation

Home Advisor Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has called on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) to shed the past and begin working with renewed resolve to enforce the law and ensure human rights.

Speaking at the RAB Headquarters on the force’s 21st anniversary on Wednesday, he said the force is assisting the government in establishing the rule of law, according to a press release from the home ministry.

“The RAB has to uphold the law and human rights. The interim government is resolved to establishing good governance, human rights and justice. The RAB is working towards re-evaluation, reformation and restructuring to establish the rule of law. I hope the people will soon reap the benefits,” he said.

Jahangir noted that since the RAB was employed as a political tool, especially to “suppress and oppress opposition”, allegations of various human rights violations, including disappearances and murders, have been raised against it.

“This peaked during the regime of the previous fascist government. Therefore, the RAB must leave the past behind and the use of it for political interests must be completely stopped."

He said the RAB has been engaged in arresting criminals, recovering illegal weapons, and conducting anti-drug drives to maintain law and order.