Dhaka, Aug 18 (V7N)- The Cabinet has approved the draft of the Special Response Battalion (SRB) Act, 2026, paving the way for the abolition of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the formation of a new specialized unit under the police.

The draft law outlines the structure, powers, responsibilities and accountability mechanisms of the proposed SRB.

According to the draft, the Rapid Action Battalion established under the Armed Police Battalions Ordinance, 1979 will be abolished, and the SRB will be formed as a specialized unit. The new force will operate entirely under the legal framework of the Special Response Battalion (SRB) Act, 2026.

Under the proposed law, the SRB will be headed by a Director General who must be at least an Additional Inspector General of Police. The Director General will serve as the force's chief executive and exercise overall administrative, financial and operational authority.

With government approval, the Director General will be able to organize the force into battalions, companies, platoons and sections with the prescribed number of officers, armed personnel and employees.

The SRB chief will also coordinate with the police and other relevant forces and agencies to maintain law and order and facilitate operational activities.

The draft gives the Director General the authority to recommend, through the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the repatriation or temporary return of officers or employees assigned to the SRB to their parent organizations.

The Director General may also order investigations into criminal offences if directed by a court, the government or the IGP. Such investigations may be assigned to SRB members holding at least the rank of sub-inspector.

Key responsibilities of SRB

The draft identifies several national objectives for establishing the new force, including:

  • Maintaining internal security

  • Improving law and order

  • Collecting intelligence

  • Conducting special operations

  • Combating drug and cybercrime

  • Ensuring social security

  • Recovering illegal weapons and ammunition

  • Preventing terrorism and extremism

The proposed law also states that SRB officers will have the powers and responsibilities of investigating officers under the Criminal Procedure Code when conducting searches, detentions or arrests.

Provision for accountability

The draft law includes a specific mechanism for dealing with allegations of illegal activities or abuse of power by SRB members.

A Grievance Redressal Committee will be formed to investigate complaints from citizens and ensure accountability, transparency and protection of human rights.

The committee will be chaired by an Additional Director General of the SRB. Its members will include a suitable representative from the Ministry of Home Affairs and a police officer of at least the rank of AIG.

The Director Legal and Media of the SRB will serve as the member secretary.

The committee will also include an expert nominated by the government who has at least 10 years of experience in human rights or judicial administration.

According to the draft, the committee will investigate complaints seriously and impartially and help strengthen public confidence in the new force by ensuring transparency and protecting citizens' rights.

END/SMA/AJ