Govt to rename RAB as SRB 

A government move is in the offing to rename elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) as Special Response Battalion (SRB), official sources said, and a draft of SRB Act, 2026 has been published on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ website asking public consultation. 

To this end, a draft of the Special Response Battalion (SRB) Act, 2026 has been published on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ website for public consultation, said the sources.

The draft Act proposes providing a legal framework for RAB's existing structure by establishing the specialised unit under Bangladesh Police. It also outlines the force's responsibilities, operational powers, authority to investigate cases, disciplinary provisions for its members, and the formation of a separate committee to address public complaints.

According to sources at the home ministry, once the draft is finalised, it will be circulated among relevant ministries and divisions for their opinions before placing to the Cabinet for approval. And following the Cabinet approval, the proposed legislation will be submitted to the JS for enactment. 

Once the new law comes into effect, the existing legal framework governing RAB will be repealed. However, certain existing provisions will remain in force until new rules are formulated.

Under the proposed law, the new unit, SRB, will have a government-designated emblem (logo), flag, and official uniform.

The draft states that SRB will function as a specialised unit under Bangladesh Police. The SRB will be headed by a Director General holding the rank of Additional Inspector General of Police (Additional IGP).