SRB operating with RAB logo

Amid ongoing discussions and criticism, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has been dissolved and has begun operating under the new name Special Response Battalion (SRB).

SRB Chief Ahsan Habib Palash told the media that the force would begin all activities under its new name from Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters, he said, “A gazette has been issued under the name SRB. All activities began on Wednesday after RAB was renamed SRB.”

The logo used by the force on the invitation card for Wednesday’s press conference carries the words “SRB Bangladesh” in place of “RAB”. However, the design of the logo has remained unchanged. Logos bearing the new name were also seen in press releases issued by various units of the force.

Amid objections from opposition parties, Parliament on September 10 passed a bill dissolving RAB and establishing a new specialised unit under the police, named the Special Response Battalion, or SRB. 

The bill became law after a gazette notification was issued on Tuesday. The force began its operations under the new name the following day.

RAB was formed on March 26, 2004, during the BNP-Jamaat alliance government. While the force was credited with successes in maintaining law and order, demands for its abolition later grew amid allegations of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations.

On December 10, 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on RAB and seven of its officials over allegations of serious human rights violations.

Following the July 2024 mass uprising, a police administration reform committee formed by the BNP on December 10, 2024, recommended abolishing RAB.

However, after coming to power, the BNP retained the force in a restructured form, changing its organisational structure and scope of operations and renaming it the Special Response Battalion, or SRB.