Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday called upon Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel to work with renewed passion, leaving the past behind.
"Forget the past and work with new zeal; you must work in accordance with the law and uphold human rights, as the current interim government is committed to establishing good governance, human rights, and justice," Jahangir said while speaking as the chief guest at the 21st founding anniversary of the RAB at its headquarters in Uttara.
The adviser said they are working to re-evaluate the activities of RAB in order to reform and restructure the force with the aim of establishing the rule of law.
"Hopefully, the people will soon reap the benefits of the initiatives," he said.
He said that RAB has been used as a political tool, particularly to suppress and oppress opposition groups since its inception.
Jahangir noted that the force has been accused of human rights violations, enforced disappearances, and murders, which peaked during the previous fascist government.
"Therefore, the use of RAB for political purposes must be stopped forever," he said.
He praised RAB for its recent efforts in arresting criminals, recovering illegal weapons, and conducting anti-drug operations to maintain law and order in the country.
Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam, and other high-ranking military and civil officials were present, according to a press release from the Home Ministry.
RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman delivered the welcome address.
A documentary highlighting RAB's activities was shown at the event.
The adviser also cut a cake and participated in a photo session to mark the anniversary.
