Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has warned that the proposed Special Response Battalion (SRB) could become little more than a rebranded Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) unless fundamental reforms are made to its structure, personnel, powers and accountability mechanisms.
In a statement on Sunday, TIB expressed concern over the Special Response Battalion Bill, 2026, saying several provisions could give the proposed force broad and ambiguous powers while failing to provide adequate safeguards against abuse.
TIB said the bill allows scope for searches and arrests without warrants based on suspicion, provides inadequate safeguards over the use of firearms and force, and creates an internal complaints mechanism that could involve conflicts of interest.
It also raised concerns over the possible transfer of RAB personnel to the SRB without proper vetting and the inclusion of members of the armed forces on deputation.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said abolishing RAB was a long-overdue policy decision, but simply changing the force's name would not amount to institutional reform.
“Fundamental changes must be made to the structure, personnel, powers, use-of-force provisions and accountability mechanisms of the new force to prevent the recurrence of the serious allegations and evidence of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture associated with RAB,” he said.
Otherwise, he said, creating a force with similar powers and institutional culture under the SRB name would amount to “repackaging the old institution”.
TIB called for a permanent exclusion of non-police members of the armed or defence forces from the proposed force, arguing that their inclusion could perpetuate the use of military tactics in internal policing.
It also demanded mandatory, transparent and impartial vetting of all RAB personnel before any transfer to the SRB.
According to Iftekharuzzaman, the vetting process should ensure that anyone accused of or involved in serious rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture or enforced disappearance, is not transferred to the new force.
TIB also criticized the proposed SRB's broad mandate, including intelligence surveillance, operations, searches and investigations.
The organization said vague provisions referring to “maintaining internal security” and carrying out “other duties as directed by the government” could create scope for suppressing dissent and using the force for political purposes.
It further raised concerns over provisions allowing searches and arrests without warrants on the basis of suspicion, as well as the proposed establishment of detention facilities and interrogation rooms.
TIB said such provisions raise concerns about compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and constitutional safeguards.
The organization also criticized the complaints redress mechanism proposed under Section 22 of the bill.
Iftekharuzzaman said a committee comprising senior officials and police members of the proposed force could not provide independent scrutiny of allegations against its own personnel.
TIB called instead for an independent civilian oversight body comprising human rights and legal experts to investigate complaints against the force.
It also demanded that investigation reports be made public and that legal safeguards be introduced to ensure compensation and rehabilitation for affected individuals.
TIB said the abolition of RAB presents an opportunity to establish a genuinely reformed law-enforcement institution based on the rule of law, respect for citizens' rights and effective accountability.
The organization has already submitted a detailed policy brief, including a section-by-section analysis of the bill and recommendations, to the relevant minister and parliamentary committee.
TIB urged the authorities to finalize the law only after considering its recommendations and ensuring meaningful consultation with relevant experts and stakeholders.