Authorities have prepared a draft law that proposes renaming the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) as the “People’s Protection Forces”, alongside major institutional reforms including the creation of an independent complaint mechanism aimed at strengthening accountability and addressing long-standing allegations of human rights violations.
According to officials, the proposed People’s Protection Forces (PPF) Act, 2026, has already been sent to Police Headquarters for review before being forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs for final approval. The final decision on renaming the elite force will rest with the government, RAB Director General Md Ahsan Habib Palash said.
Under the proposed framework, a five-member Complaint Redress Committee would be introduced to handle grievances from both citizens and members of the force. The body would be empowered to conduct preliminary inquiries, initiate investigations when required, and recommend disciplinary measures to authorities.
The committee would include an additional inspector general-level officer as chair, along with representatives from the Home Ministry, Finance Division, a senior human rights activist with at least a decade of experience, and a prominent journalist nominated by the Jatiya Press Club president.
Officials involved in drafting the proposal said the inclusion of civil society and media representation is intended to ensure independent oversight, which has been a key demand from rights groups for years.
The committee would also review internal complaints involving postings, promotions, harassment, misconduct, or abuse of authority within the force. It would have powers similar to a civil court, including summoning witnesses and requiring documents.
RAB officials said the draft also attempts to balance accountability with operational protection, noting that personnel should not face punishment for unintended incidents during operations.
The proposed law outlines misconduct categories such as extortion, abuse of power, negligence, destruction of property, and failure of commanders to act on verified complaints against subordinates.
Despite the proposed reforms, the force would retain its core functions, including counterterrorism operations, intelligence gathering, narcotics and arms recovery, and the authority to conduct searches and arrests under specific conditions.
Structurally, RAB - currently composed of personnel from police, armed forces, and other agencies - would continue to operate under the leadership of a serving additional inspector general of police under the IGP’s command.
The draft also proposes a dedicated research wing and mandatory training for personnel. All existing assets, records, and legal cases would automatically transfer to the renamed force if approved.
Formed in 2004, RAB has long been credited by governments for reducing crime but has also faced persistent allegations of enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings, leading to international scrutiny and sanctions in 2021 by the United States.
At least 15 former RAB officials, including senior commanders, are currently facing trial at the International Crimes Tribunal over such allegations.
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