RAB dissolved, relaunched as SRB

The force began operating under its new name on Wednesday, said SRB chief Ahsan Habib Palash.

''Gazette notification has been issued under the name SRB. We have changed the name of RAB to SRB and started all activities under the new name from today.''

The invitation card for a press conference held on Wednesday featured the force’s new logo, bearing the words 'SRB Bangladesh' instead of RAB.

The logo’s design, however, remains unchanged. The new branding has also been used in press releases issued by various units of the force.

The government issued a gazette notification on Tuesday formally establishing the SRB.

It said a modern, professional, efficient and accountable specialised unit was necessary to assist the police in maintaining public security, combating terrorism and organised crime, and preserving overall law and order.

It also stressed the need for transparency, effective oversight and accountability in the exercise of powers by such a specialised force.

Against this backdrop, legislation was enacted to dissolve the existing RAB and establish the SRB as a new specialised unit.

Parliament passed the bill to abolish RAB and establish the SRB under the police on September 10. The gazette notification issued on Tuesday formally brought the legislation into effect, paving the way for the force to begin operations under its new identity the following day.

RAB’s controversial legacy

RAB was formed on March 26, 2004, during the BNP-Jamaat coalition government.

The force and seven of its senior officials were sanctioned by the United States on December 10, 2021, over allegations of serious human rights abuses.

Following the July 2024 uprising, a police administration reform commission formed by the BNP-led government recommended abolishing RAB on December 10 of that year.

The government has now retained the force’s operations under a restructured framework and mandate, replacing RAB with the newly established Special Response Battalion.

The authorities say the new structure is intended to provide a specialised law-enforcement capability while placing greater emphasis on transparency, oversight and accountability.