Bangladesh cabinet approves wider investigative powers for Armed Police Battalions

Bangladesh’s cabinet on Monday approved a draft law that would give Armed Police Battalions (APBn) authority to investigate criminal offenses and expand its role against terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, rape, enforced disappearance, cybercrime, kidnapping, and crimes against humanity.

Prime minister Tarique Rahman chaired the cabinet meeting in Dhaka. Proposal would repeal Armed Police Battalions Ordinance, 1979, and place APBn administration and command under an additional inspector general of police, subject to overall supervision by inspector general of police.

Bill also provides for special and summary courts, detention cells, interrogation centers, a cyber cell, and a research unit. It would allow outside professionals, including lawyers, psychologists, doctors, and judges, to be recruited or appointed on deputation.

Draft includes several specialized battalions but does not mention Rapid Action Battalion.