Bangladesh, a nation once heralded as a beacon of justice and liberation, now faces the tragic reality of state-sponsored violence and repression. Central to this decline is the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), an elite paramilitary force tasked with law enforcement but now synonymous with extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and political repression. It is time for Bangladesh to confront the deepening crisis caused by RAB and take decisive action to dismantle this notorious force.
The Rise of RAB: Founded in 2004 under the government of BNP, RAB was initially created to combat organized crime and terrorism. Its mandate was clear: protect citizens, uphold the law, and maintain peace. Yet, over the years, RAB's role has morphed from a force meant to protect the public to one responsible for widespread human rights violations. Under Sheikh Hasina's regime, RAB flourished, enjoying unchecked power and operated with impunity.
Extrajudicial Killings and Disappearances: A recent report by the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances investigating enforced disappearances in Bangladesh revealed evidence of a "systematic design" to conceal these crimes. Several high-ranking officials from the ousted Hasina government were implicated, including retired Maj. Gen. Tarique Ahmed Siddique (former defense adviser), Maj. Gen Ziaul Ahsan (former director general of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre), and senior police officers.
The investigation recorded 1,676 complaints of enforced disappearances, with 758 verified cases, while estimating that the total number could exceed 3,500. The commission has recommended the disbandment of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a US-sanctioned elite force accused of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
This week, the RAB's chief admitted publicly, the existence of a secret detention center, Aynaghar, and issued an apology for the group's human rights violations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. The RAB DG also admitted to many people killed, including Narayanganj's seven-murder, by the RAB.
Political Repression: RAB's abuses are not just limited to the suppression of civil liberties; they are also a tool of political repression. The force has been used by the government to target opposition figures, activists, and anyone who poses a threat to the ruling party. Under Sheikh Hasina's government, RAB has been instrumental in cracking down on political opposition, silencing dissent, and ensuring the dominance of the ruling party. During the 2018 parliamentary elections, RAB was accused of intimidating opposition parties, suppressing voters, and detaining political activists to secure the ruling party's victory. Reports from international observers have cast doubt on the fairness and legitimacy of the elections, with RAB playing a central role in suppressing the political opposition.
RAB's involvement in political repression has not only undermined the democratic process but also created a climate of fear. Activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens who dare to challenge the government have been subjected to violence, abduction, and even death.
International Condemnation and Sanctions: The international community has not remained silent in the face of RAB's actions. In December 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on RAB and its senior officials for their involvement in serious human rights violations. Individuals such as Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and Benazir Ahmed were specifically targeted for their role in extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. These sanctions were a clear signal that the global community would not tolerate such abuses and a call for the Bangladeshi government to take action regarding RAB.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have also consistently raised alarms about RAB's conduct. In its 2021 report, Amnesty highlighted the impunity enjoyed by RAB and other security forces, noting that the force regularly engaged in extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances.
The Case for Banning RAB: The evidence against RAB is overwhelming solidified by their own admission. Its involvement in extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and political repression has made it a symbol of authoritarianism and impunity in Bangladesh. The continued existence of such a force undermines the very principles of justice, democracy, and human rights upon which Bangladesh was founded. The time has come for Bangladesh to make a bold decision and dismantle RAB once and for all.
First, the governments under which these illegal actions took place must take responsibility for the atrocities committed by RAB and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. This requires a comprehensive and impartial investigation into RAB's actions, with prosecutions for those found guilty of human rights violations. Second, Bangladesh must implement meaningful reforms to all its law enforcement agencies, ensuring that they operate within the bounds of the law and uphold the rights of all citizens.
The continued existence of RAB represents a grave threat to the country's democratic future and international standing. The people of Bangladesh deserve a country where the rule of law is upheld, where human rights are respected, and where dissent is not met with violence. To restore justice and democracy, the government must dismantle RAB, hold its perpetrators accountable, and rebuild the nation's law enforcement system to reflect the values of fairness, justice, and equality. The time to act is now.
Barrister Sumaiya Anjum Kashfi, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh, Executive Director, Nordic Initiative for Sustainable Development (NISD) and Shafiul Alam Shahin , Executive Director, International Institute of Law and Diplomacy (IILD)
