File photo.
Dhaka //

The United States imposed sanctions on top RAB officials in 2021 after allegations of human rights violations were raised against the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), formed to combat organized crime and terrorism. According to critics, this force is a ‘government death squad’.

After the fall of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, an initiative has been taken to change the name, logo and uniform of RAB and prepare a new law for the activities of the force.

RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman said, ‘A draft has been prepared regarding various reforms, including changing the name, rules and uniform of the force.’

According to senior Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan Panna, RAB should be abolished as there is no need for extrajudicial killings in the country.

Human rights activist Nur Khan Liton said, “According to the commission formed to investigate disappearances, there are 172 allegations of disappearances against RAB. A total of 1,600 complaints have been filed as of October 31. Out of which, 400 complaints have been verified and 140 people have been interviewed.” According to the Law and Arbitration Center, RAB was involved in 467 alleged gunfights from 2015 to 2023.