Rab under new leadership

THE country is still reeling from the Narayanganj seven-murder case which brought to sharp focus the alleged complicity of the country's elite force in abductions and murders, sending shockwaves across the nation. Although Rab initially denied any involvement, it later admitted it, subsequently sacking and arresting three of its officials; the investigations and trials are now underway.

Against this backdrop, we are shocked and surprised that the new director general has chosen to wash his hands off the Rab's questionable past records, stating that the misconduct of Rab members were “isolated incidents” that the Rab will not “own”. He is welcome to make a new beginning, but that doesn't preclude him from bringing under scrutiny past allegations of transgressions and punish those found guilty of excesses. We believe that such a powerful institution has to answer for any and all infringements that its members may have committed.

While we admit that Rab has played an important role in curbing militancy, we remain concerned about the widespread civil and human rights violations committed by the agency with impunity, as highlighted by various human rights organisations. As Rab is empowered and equipped with sophisticated technologies under the new leadership of Benazir Ahmed, it becomes even more imperative that its members as well as the organisation at large acts in a responsible manner. There is no denying that we need to end the culture of impunity in our country, and that must begin with holding law enforcement members as well as agencies accountable for their violations.