RAB to never be involved in enforced disappearance, pledges its DG

The members of the elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) will never be involved in committing crimes like enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killing.  

RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman, made the commitment while addressing a view exchange meeting with the leaders of Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB) at his office in Uttara area of Dhaka on Monday.

“Enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killings are criminal offenses and these have no legal justification. If any RAB member is involved in such crimes, he or she must be punished,” he said during the meeting.

Enforcing law and order, recovering firearms and drugs and apprehending criminals and militants should not be done harming anyone, said the RAB chief.

About the existence of ‘Aina Ghar,’ a secret internment centre reportedly run by the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, (DGFI), he said, “There is no such thing as Aina Ghar in RAB.

“No one will be taken to a secret location after being arrested. RAB will act in light with the law,” he said.

UNB Adds: The RAB chief also spoke about the security measures in place for the upcoming Durga Puja festival.

“RAB is working in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the smooth celebration of Durga Puja," said Rahman.

He further noted that militants released on bail are being closely monitored, and any attempts to create unrest or spread rumors during the festival will be swiftly dealt with.

When asked about the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission gathering information on alleged human rights abuses in Bangladesh, particularly regarding the anti-discrimination movement, Rahman confirmed that the RAB had fully cooperated with the UN.

"The fact-finding team has already contacted and inspected the RAB. We have provided them with all requested information, and we will continue to do so as needed," he assured.

The meeting also featured remarks from CRAB leadership, including General Secretary Sirajul Islam, who highlighted various aspects of the organization’s activities, and President Kamruzzaman Khan, who expressed gratitude for the ongoing cooperation between CRAB and RAB.

RAB DG Shahidur Rahman acknowledged the valuable role journalists play in his work.

Other CRAB members in attendance included Organizing Secretary Shahidul Islam Razi, Office Secretary Kamal Hossain Talukder, and Executive Committee members Ali Azam and Sheikh Kalimullah, all of whom participated in the discussion.