Dhaka, Aug 07 (V7N)- The government has published the draft of the Special Response Battalion (SRB) Act, 2026, proposing the formation of a new specialized law enforcement unit by abolishing the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
The draft was uploaded to the Ministry of Home Affairs website on Thursday afternoon, with the government inviting public opinion before the legislation is finalized.
According to the draft, the proposed law aims to strengthen the country's internal security and maintain public order by replacing RAB, which was established under the Armed Police Battalions Ordinance, 1979, with the Special Response Battalion (SRB), a specialized unit under the Bangladesh Police.
The proposed legislation states that the SRB will have its own official logo, flag and uniform, to be determined by the government.
The force will be headed by a Director General holding the rank of Additional Inspector General of Police (Additional IGP). Depending on operational needs, battalions, companies, platoons and sections may be established.
While the SRB headquarters will be located in Dhaka, the law also allows the government to establish units anywhere in the country.
The draft further proposes that the unit may recruit personnel not only from the Bangladesh Police but also from other disciplined forces on deputation, subject to applicable laws governing those services. The minimum deputation period has been proposed as two years.
Officials said the draft will be finalized after reviewing public feedback before being placed before the Cabinet. Amendments may be made during Cabinet deliberations, after which the proposed law is expected to be submitted to Parliament for approval.
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) was established in 2004 as a specialized force to combat organized crime, militancy and serious criminal activities. The proposed legislation would formally replace the force with the newly created SRB if enacted into law.
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