The transition from the elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) to a newly formed force must not be restricted to cosmetic changes in names and uniforms, but should drive visible, positive reform in conduct and operations, stated Barrister Rumeen Farhana, the newly elected independent Member of Parliament for Brahmanbaria-2.
She made these observations on Thursday (September 10, 2026) while participating in the general discussion on the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) Amendment Bill in the National Parliament.
MP Rumeen Farhana reminded the House that beyond consensus among major political parties regarding RAB’s abolition, there were strong calls from international human rights organizations and the United Nations. She warned that if the successor agency merely changes its branding while retaining systemic behaviors, the overall effort will prove meaningless.
Addressing the broader context of the APBn bill, she asserted that citizens have historically faced harassment and oppression under various state law enforcement agencies—a pattern that must not recur. As Bangladesh embarks on its democratic path, she called on the Ministry of Home Affairs and the government to ensure all law enforcement entities operate professionally, free from politicization and partisan influence.
