Sixteen members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have been detained on charges of involvement in various crimes, including extortion and snatching, since August 5, according to the Director General (DG) of the force, Additional IGP AKM Shahidur Rahman.

He made the statement during a press conference at the RAB Media Centre in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka, on Thursday (December 12).

The RAB DG stated that following August 5, the law-and-order situation worsened due to an increase in criminal activities. As a result, RAB members began working to restore order. In this process, 16 RAB members were involved in various crimes, including extortion, drug trafficking, and snatching. Action is being taken against them for these offenses.

He also mentioned that since the establishment of RAB, 58 officers and 4,246 members have been punished for involvement in various crimes.

The RAB DG further stated that after August 5, the force faced several challenges, including a rebellion among Ansar members, instability in the garment sector, and strikes in rural electricity associations. Despite these challenges, RAB has continued to play a key role in maintaining law and order. So far, 20,000 illegal firearms have been recovered, along with over 14,000 fugitives.

The RAB DG assured that as long as he remains in charge, RAB will not be involved in enforced disappearances or killings.