The Dark Side of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion: Abuse of Power Under Awami League Rule

In the landscape of law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) was introduced as a beacon of hope, promising to combat crime and terrorism with efficiency and effectiveness. However, the reality of RAB’s operations under the rule of the Awami League and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paints a far darker picture—one stained with allegations of extrajudicial killings, human rights abuses, and impunity.

Established in 2004, RAB was hailed as a specialized force capable of swiftly responding to security threats and maintaining law and order in the country. Its mandate included tackling terrorism, organized crime, and other serious offenses that posed a threat to public safety. However, over the years, RAB has become synonymous with extrajudicial killings and rampant human rights violations, casting a shadow over its purported mission.

Under the Awami League government, RAB has been accused of carrying out a campaign of terror against perceived threats to the state, including political opponents, activists, and members of minority groups. Extrajudicial killings have become alarmingly common, with victims often targeted without due process or judicial oversight. Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of torture, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary arrests carried out by RAB operatives with impunity.

The case of Ekramul Haque, a young man from Narayanganj, serves as a chilling example of RAB’s brutal tactics. In 2018, Haque was abducted by RAB operatives and subjected to torture in custody, allegedly for his involvement in petty crime. Despite his family’s pleas for his release, Haque was found dead just days later, his body bearing signs of torture. His tragic death sparked outrage across Bangladesh and prompted calls for accountability, yet justice remains elusive for Haque and countless others who have suffered similar fates at the hands of RAB.

The culture of impunity that surrounds RAB is deeply ingrained, thanks in part to the unwavering support it receives from the Awami League government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Despite mounting evidence of human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings, the government has consistently defended RAB’s actions and shielded its operatives from prosecution. In 2019, when the United States imposed sanctions on RAB for its role in extrajudicial killings and other abuses, the government dismissed the move as interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, further underscoring its commitment to protecting RAB at all costs.

The impact of RAB’s reign of terror extends far beyond its immediate victims, striking fear into the hearts of ordinary Bangladeshis and undermining the rule of law. The arbitrary use of force and disregard for due process have eroded trust in the justice system and emboldened those who seek to silence dissent through violence and intimidation. In a country where freedom of expression and political dissent are increasingly under threat, RAB’s unchecked power poses a grave danger to democracy and human rights.

If Bangladesh is to break free from the grip of fear and oppression, it is imperative that RAB be held accountable for its actions and reformed to uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights. The Awami League government under Sheikh Hasina must prioritize the protection of human rights and ensure that those responsible for abuses are brought to justice. Anything less would be a betrayal of the values of justice, democracy, and dignity that Bangladeshis hold dear.