The government has initiated formal proceedings to dissolve the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and establish a successor force, the Special Response Battalion (SRB).

The Ministry of Home Affairs has released the draft 'Special Response Battalion (SRB) Act, 2026' on its official website, inviting public feedback as part of a major structural overhaul of the nation’s law enforcement framework.

Following the collection of public opinion and inter-ministerial consultations, the draft will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval before being tabled in the National Parliament.

Upon enactment, the current legal framework governing RAB will be repealed, marking the end of the elite force that has operated for over two decades since its inception in 2004.

Under the proposed legislation, the SRB will function as a specialized unit within the Bangladesh Police.

The force will be commanded by a Director General holding the rank of Additional Inspector General of Police (Addl. IGP).

Headquartered in Dhaka, the SRB will maintain the flexibility to establish regional units nationwide, organized into battalions, companies, platoons, and sections.

The force will integrate personnel from the police as well as other disciplined and defense services, with deputation tenures proposed for a minimum of two years.

The SRB is tasked with combating high-stakes threats, including narcotics trafficking, organized crime, cybercrime, explosives, human trafficking, and offenses against state security.

Officers—holding the rank of Sub-Inspector or higher—will be authorized to conduct searches, seizures, and arrests in strict compliance with the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and Police Regulations.

To support these operations, the unit will be equipped with its own dedicated lockups, evidence storage rooms, and interrogation facilities.

A pivotal feature of the new act is the introduction of a formal Grievance Redress Committee, designed to address longstanding criticisms regarding human rights abuses and lack of accountability associated with the former RAB.

This committee will be headed by an Additional Director General of the SRB and include representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Police Headquarters, and an external expert with at least 10 years of experience in law or human rights.

The committee is empowered to investigate public complaints, initiate independent inquiries, and recommend disciplinary action for misconduct or harassment.

The draft also codifies a rigorous code of conduct for SRB members.

Personnel found guilty of negligence, insubordination, illegal financial dealings, misuse of state weaponry, or aiding criminal activities face immediate departmental action and repatriation to their parent organizations for legal prosecution.

Procedures have also been formalized for the apprehension of any personnel attempting to evade justice.

Once the new law takes effect, all RAB assets, personnel, funds, and ongoing case files will be legally transferred to the SRB.

This transition represents a strategic effort by the government to retain essential rapid-response capabilities while embedding greater institutional transparency and civilian oversight into the national security architecture.