Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has warned that the proposed Special Response Battalion (SRB) could become a more empowered and virtually unaccountable version of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) if the government fails to introduce fundamental reforms to its structure, powers, personnel and accountability mechanisms.

In a statement issued on Sunday, TIB said the Special Response Battalion Bill, 2026, which was tabled in Parliament following the government’s decision to abolish RAB, retains several provisions that could allow the new force to exercise broad and ambiguous powers with inadequate legal safeguards.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said abolishing RAB was a “long overdue” policy decision, but simply changing the name of the force would not amount to institutional reform.

“Fundamental changes must be made to the structure, personnel, powers, use-of-force provisions and accountability mechanisms of the new force to prevent the recurrence of the serious allegations and evidence of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture associated with RAB,” he said.

He warned that establishing a force with similar powers and institutional culture under a different name would amount to “repackaging the old institution”.

TIB particularly raised concerns over a provision allowing members of the armed forces to serve in the SRB on deputation, as well as the proposed transfer of RAB personnel to the new force without a vetting process.

Iftekharuzzaman called for the provision allowing members of the armed or defence forces outside the police to join the SRB on deputation to be permanently removed.

According to TIB, retaining such a provision could perpetuate the use of military tactics in internal policing. It also urged the government to introduce a transparent and impartial vetting process for RAB personnel before any transfer to the SRB.

Citing United Nations Security Sector Reform and Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration standards, TIB said individuals accused of or involved in extrajudicial killings, torture or enforced disappearances during their service in RAB should not be allowed to join the new force.

The organisation also criticised the proposed SRB’s wide-ranging powers, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, operations, searches and investigations.

TIB said vague provisions relating to “maintaining internal security” and performing “other duties as directed by the government” could create opportunities for suppressing dissent and using the force for political purposes.

It also expressed concern over provisions allowing searches and arrests without warrants on the basis of suspicion, as well as the proposed establishment of detention facilities and interrogation rooms under the force.

According to TIB, such provisions raise serious concerns regarding compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The organisation further criticised the complaints mechanism proposed under Section 22 of the bill, saying the proposed Complaints Redress Committee would be composed of senior officials and other police personnel from the force itself.

“A mechanism whereby allegations of serious human rights violations against members of a force are investigated by their own colleagues cannot, in any way, be considered impartial,” Iftekharuzzaman said.

TIB called for an independent civilian oversight authority, free from the influence of the police, the executive branch and the SRB, to investigate complaints against members of the force. It said the authority should include human rights and legal experts.

The organisation also demanded that investigation reports be made public and that legal safeguards be included to ensure compensation and rehabilitation for victims of human rights violations.

TIB said the abolition of RAB provides an important opportunity to establish a genuinely reformed law-enforcement institution based on the rule of law, respect for citizens’ rights and effective accountability.

It warned that without clear limits on the SRB’s powers, independent oversight, transparent personnel vetting, judicial safeguards and effective remedies, the objective of abolishing RAB would remain unfulfilled.

TIB said it has already submitted a detailed policy brief, including a section-by-section analysis of the bill and recommendations, to the relevant minister and parliamentary committee.

It urged the government to finalise the proposed law only after considering the recommendations and ensuring meaningful engagement with relevant experts and stakeholders.