Rapid Action Battalion

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RAB
RAB

Rapid Action Battalion or RAB is an anti-crime and anti-terrorism elite force in Bangladesh. Falling under the jurisdiction of the Bangladeshi Ministry of Home Affairs, it consists of members of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, Air Force and Police. It was formed on 26 March 2004 and started its operations from 14 April 2004.

Since its inception, the RAB has seized a total of 3149 illegal arms and more than 36000 rounds of ammunition. It has also had many notable arrests.

Although the RAB has been successful in apprehending several high-profile terrorists, including the infamous Bangla Bhai, Amnesty International has criticised the RAB's lack of accountability as it has been responsible for many deaths which have been attributed to crossfire.[1][2] There have also been many reports of arbitrary torture.[3]

Despite protests from the main opposition party, the Awami League, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party denied that the RAB had been used for political ends.[4]

According to The Daily Star, a Bangladeshi English-language newspaper, concern over extra-judicial killings is exceeded by a desire for law and order thus there is a "fair amount of public support for the Rab". [3]

Contents

[edit] Weapons used by RAB

RAB members are better equipped and trained compared to other law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh. The following weapons are generally issued to them ( according to the Government ) -

Also when employed for crowd control purpose RAB members use traditional weapons like batons and tasers

[edit] Notable Arrests

Here is a table containing details of major arrests by the RAB according to their official website: [5]

Name Charge Arrest Source
Mufti Hannan Assassination attempt of Sheikh Hasina, a top leader of Harkat-ul-Jihad 1 October 2005 [1]
Pichchi Hannan Terrorism 26 June 2004, later killed trying to escape [2]
Debashis Accomplice to Pichchi Hannan killed in crossfire, 24 June 2004 [3]
Mollah Shamim 10 cases including three of murder killed in crossfire, 6 September 2004 [4]
Shaheb Ali Printing of Jihadi leaflets distributed during the 17 August 2005 Bombings 17 September 2005 [5]
Shahabuddin Extortion Killed 26 October 2004 [6]
Syed Monir Hossain Several criminal offences, including two murders killed in crossfire, 11 March 2005 [7]
Shahjahan 5 charges including murder, rape and robbery killed in crossfire, January 12 2005 [8]
Rafiqul Islam Suicide squad member, Narayanganj JMB commander 27 December 2005 [9]
Sumon Ahmed Majumder Extortion [10]
Ekramul Haque 'Islamic Militancy' December 2005 [11]
Hasibul 16 cases including 12 murder cases 26 January 2005, later killed attempting to escape [12]

[edit] References

  1. ^ 'Top Bangladeshi militant' held. BBC News (6 March 2006).
  2. ^ Amnesty International Bangladesh Report 2005. Amnesty International (2005).
  3. ^ a b Torture marks found on victim's body, protests go on. The Daily Star (2007-5-21).
  4. ^ Rapid Action Battalion wont be used for political purpose. Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation (2005-02-18).
  5. ^ www.rab.gov.bd

[edit] External links

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