RAB DG: "Ayna Ghar" Existed, All Allegations Under Investigation

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Publish : 12 Dec 2024, 05:55 PM

Photo: Collected

The Director General (DG) of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidur Rahman, acknowledged that RAB had a "Mirror Room" (Aynaghar). He also assured that all allegations against RAB, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, are being investigated, and justice will follow based on the findings of those investigations.

On Thursday (December 12), during a press conference at the RAB Media Center in Karwan Bazar, the RAB DG admitted to the existence of the "Mirror Room" in response to a question.

In recent days, discussions about enforced disappearances, killings, and the "Mirror Room" associated with RAB have been prominent. When asked for a statement on the matter, he said, "RAB had and still has a Mirror Room. It has been preserved as it was. The Commission for Investigating Enforced Disappearances and Killings has instructed that everything, including the Mirror Room, remain as it is. We have not made any changes or modifications; things are maintained in their original state."

AKM Shahidur Rahman stated that all allegations against RAB are being investigated by various agencies, including the Commission for Investigating Enforced Disappearances and Killings. He mentioned that RAB is cooperating with these investigations and emphasized that RAB cannot be exonerated without a proper investigation and justice. He also apologized to those who have been harmed by RAB’s actions.

Responding to a question about claims that militant incidents during Sheikh Hasina's tenure since August 5 are being dismissed as theatrics, the RAB DG said, "Militants existed, and RAB has taken legal action against them."

Additionally, regarding the allegations of firing on student protesters from RAB helicopters during the anti-discrimination student movement, he stated that investigations are ongoing and that the truth will be determined through due process. He noted that there are court directives regarding this issue, and the International Crimes Tribunal is working on it.

When asked about changes to RAB's uniform, AKM Shahidur Rahman mentioned that there have been demands to change the uniform. "We are considering it," he said. He further noted that RAB was established under the Police Act and currently does not have its own distinct law. Discussions are ongoing to create a separate law for RAB, and steps will be taken based on public and media feedback regarding possible reforms.

However, the DG emphasized, "What is more important than the uniform is the person wearing it. We wear uniforms every day; you wear pants, shirts, suits, pajamas, or panjabis. A good person, no matter what they wear, will deliver good results. Conversely, a bad person, no matter what they wear, will not yield good results. Mentality is more important than attire. Nonetheless, we are considering changes to RAB’s uniform."

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