Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion and Additional IGP Md Ahsan Habib Palash has said the force will extend full cooperation if the International Crimes Tribunal seeks assistance in investigating allegations of enforced disappearance, murder and crossfire incidents.
He made the remarks on Sunday while responding to a question at a press conference held at the RAB Media Centre in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka. The briefing was organised to highlight the successes of recent operations carried out by RAB and to discuss the overall law and order situation.
Responding to a question on whether the tribunal may summon documents related to alleged disappearances, killings and crossfire incidents involving RAB, Ahsan Habib said the force would fully cooperate if approached.
“If our cooperation is sought in any matter related to the trial process, we will cooperate to the fullest extent. We will provide whatever information we have. If we do not have the information, we will express our inability. However, the tribunal has not yet contacted us in this regard,” he said.
Asked about domestic and international calls for the disbandment of RAB, the DG said decisions regarding the future of the force rest with the government.
“The responsibility for deciding whether RAB will continue or be abolished does not lie with RAB itself. The government will consider these matters. Our duty is to carry out our responsibilities properly. As beneficiaries of the state, our main task is to establish RAB’s credibility among the people through our work. Whatever decision the government takes, we will continue performing our duties,” he added.
Responding to allegations that the force had been used for political purposes in the past, Ahsan Habib said a review of RAB’s activities over the past one and a half years, as well as during the previous government, would show that the force does not have a significant record of misconduct.
“This indicates that if RAB is managed properly, it can function effectively,” he said.
Regarding the resurgence of pirates and separatist groups—criminal elements that RAB had previously helped contain—the DG said intelligence activities have been intensified.
“We are aware of the issue and are working on it. Due to several reasons, including the elections, we could not focus on it earlier. Now we have gathered information and our operations are ongoing,” he said.
On the issue of rising juvenile gang activity, he noted that such groups are becoming increasingly visible in Bangladesh. “Our activities are continuing. The police and RAB are working jointly to address the problem. It is always challenging to keep juvenile gangs within the law, but our efforts are ongoing. Journalists can also help by identifying those who support or shelter these gangs, which will make our work easier,” he added.
Responding to a question about the sanctions imposed by the United States Government on RAB, Ahsan Habib said past incidents were partly the result of operational shortcomings.
'If you review the history since the formation of RAB, you will see that such incidents occurred due to certain differences in operations and occasional slip-ups. If these issues can be addressed, I believe the sanctions will no longer remain,” he said.