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RAB DG apologises for the forces' offences during July uprising

He admits allegations of enforced disappearances, killings by RAB

Published : Friday, 13 December, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 157
Staff Correspondent
RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman has admitted the existence of the "Ayna Ghor", or "house of mirrors" detention cells which were allegedly used for enforced disappearances and killings under the deposed Awami League regime.

He also said that these secret internment centres have been kept unchanged at the orders of the commission formed to investigate the "Ayna Ghor" and cases of enforced disappearances.

During a view-exchange meeting with journalists at Rab's media center on Thursday , Shahidur assured that Rab is committed to exonerating any wrongdoings only through a fair and transparent investigation and proper trial process. AKM Shahidur Rahman on Thursday apologised to those who have filed criminal cases against Rab personnel over various offences committed during the July-August mass uprising.

He said: "All kinds of allegations, about enforced disappearances, murders, and 'Ayna Ghor' are being investigated by the commission. We are assisting them in the probe. We hope legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation."

Asked whether RAB      had maintained the internment cells, he said: "They were there and they still exist. The commission has directed us to keep them as they are. We kept them exactly as they were under their orders."

On Aug 27, the Cabinet Division formed a five-member commission, headed by retired High Court judge Moinul Islam Chowdhury, to investigate cases of enforced disappearances allegedly carried out by law-enforcing agencies during the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina.

Most of the complaints filed with the commission between Jan 6, 2009, and Aug 5, 2024, were against the RAB.

BNP on Tuesday demanded abolition of  RAB for its role in extrajudicial killings.

Presenting the demand to the Police Reform Commission at a media briefing on Tuesday, BNP Standing Committee Member M Hafizuddin Ahmed said: "The RAB has been condemned globally as it has turned into a monster. Most of the murders, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings in the country were carried out by the RAB. That is why we demanded its abolition."

Expecting that RAB will "perform its duties with sincerity and dedication" in  future RAB Director General Shahidur admitted, "There are several allegations of enforced disappearances and murders against RAB."

"We extend our apologies to all who have been tortured or persecuted by the RAB and who have been victims of murder. We express our condolences and apologies to the families of those who were killed by the RAB, including the seven-murder case in Narayanganj." Justice would be delivered in these incidents through a fair investigation, he said.

"The interim government has formed a commission to investigate into enforced disappearances and murders. The International Crimes Tribunal is holding trials of the crimes. We hope the allegations against us will be properly investigated and prosecuted through a fair and impartial investigation. That is the only way the burden of responsibility for these crimes will be lifted. There is no other way."

The Director General of RAB acknowledged the gravity of the issues over misconduct by RAB members and said internal discipline would be restored in RAB.

He said a significant number of RAB officers and personnel faced disciplinary action for breach of conduct. Till date, 58 officers and 4,235 members have been charged with violation of discipline   under RAB regulations.

He said RAB members were recently arrested and 16 officers from various battalions, are currently facing charges related to extortion, kidnapping, and robbery.

As part of efforts to reform and modernise it, he said RAB's uniform will be changed to improve its image and operational efficiency.

He said a new ordinance designed to enhance the effectiveness of operations, improve administrative processes, and ensure faster service delivery, will be implemented.

In December 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on the RAB and its seven former and serving officers for their involvement in serious human rights violations.

Since then, the Bangladesh government has repeatedly requested the US to lift the ban, but there has been no response. The US said the process of lifting sanctions is "complex."

In response to a question about the abolition of the RAB, Director General of RAB said: "As long as we serve in RAB, we will perform our duties with sincerity and honesty. The government will take a decision regarding this."



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