RAB to become more professional, people-friendly force: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) will be restructured into a more people-friendly, professional and accountable force as part of ongoing institutional reforms.

He made the remarks while speaking at a programme held at RAB headquarters in the capital’s Uttara marking the elite force’s 22nd founding anniversary.

The minister said the government has already initiated a series of measures aimed at improving transparency, accountability and public trust in the force.

He added that emphasis is being placed on strengthening engagement with citizens, ensuring respect for human rights, and upholding the rule of law and professional standards.

As part of the reform process, he said RAB members are being provided advanced training to enhance their professional skills. The government is also working to ensure minimum use of force during operations in line with international norms, alongside introducing training on human rights and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in crime prevention.

Salahuddin Ahmed also announced plans to establish a specialised training centre for RAB at Jungle Salimpur in the coming days.

Referring to past issues, the home minister said some personnel were involved in misconduct during what he described as a previous “fascist regime,” but stressed that the entire institution should not be judged based on the actions of a few individuals.

He further stated that no political interference will be allowed in the operations of state agencies under the present democratic government.

The minister said the government is also considering major legal and structural reforms, including amendments to the existing RAB law and even a possible change of the force’s name. He added that a separate dedicated law for RAB is also under consideration to bring it in line with global standards and modern policing practices.

Special Adviser to the Prime Minister on Information, Policy, Strategy and Culture Dr Zahed Ur Rahman attended the event as special guest.

Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir also spoke at the programme, while RAB Director General Md Ahsan Habib Palash delivered the welcome address.

Senior officials from the Home Ministry, the armed forces, and civilian administration were also present at the event, according to a ministry statement.