Bangladesh, once hailed as a model of resilience and progress, now finds itself embroiled in a paradoxical debate over one of its most controversial institutions, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). Formed in 2004 under the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) regime, RAB emerged as a powerful force to combat crime, terrorism, and extremism. However, the institution has been vilified by the very party that created it and remains under scrutiny for alleged human rights violations.

The Rapid Action Battalion was established during a period of growing extremist instability in Bangladesh. In 2004, as law enforcement agencies struggled to maintain control, RAB was envisioned as a specialized force to combat terrorism, organized crime, and violence. Over the years, RAB gained a reputation for its efficiency in tackling high-profile threats. However, its methods were often criticized for violating human rights. Allegations of extrajudicial killings and disappearances have overshadowed the force’s accomplishments, leading to international condemnation and sanctions, most notably from the United States in 2021.

Despite these controversies, RAB has been instrumental in maintaining order in the country, especially during crises. Its formation marked a turning point in Bangladesh’s fight against militancy, but its legacy remains contentious.

The BNP’s criticism of RAB presents a glaring contradiction. While the force was created under its regime, the party now calls for its abolition, branding it a “monster” responsible for human rights abuses. Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, a senior BNP leader, has openly stated that RAB was........

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