Bangladesh plans to replace U.S.-sanctioned Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). New legislation would create a formal complaint mechanism for the public and force members.

Bangladesh’s Cabinet has approved a draft law creating a Multi-party Grievance Redress Committee for the proposed Special Response Battalion, giving citizens and force personnel a formal channel to lodge complaints and seek review.

The committee would investigate allegations and recommend appropriate action as the government moves to dissolve the Rapid Action Battalion and transfer its personnel, assets, and responsibilities to the new force under Bangladesh Police.

Accountability has long shadowed the Rapid Action Battalion. In December 2021, the United States sanctioned the force under the Global Magnitsky human rights program, citing serious human rights abuse. U.S. officials referenced allegations by nongovernmental organizations of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture.

The draft Special Response Battalion Act, 2026, was approved at a Cabinet meeting chaired by prime minister Tarique Rahman and will now undergo legislative vetting.