US Ambassador Dan Mozena has said the recent allegations of abuse of power have cast a dark shadow over the image the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)
He said: “The accountability of the RAB is now more important than ever in light of the recent allegations.”
The US envoy made the observation while addressing a certificate awarding programme at the RAB headquarters on Thursday.
“RAB should carry out probes fearlessly”
Mozena said: “The recent allegations of power abuse have cast a dark shadow over the image of the elite force as all are aware of the allegations against members of RAB for committing abuses and misconduct.”
Allegations raised that the RAB officials were involved in various controversial activities, including murder, abduction, corruption and extortion.
Recently, three RAB officials were arrested for their alleged involvement in Narayanganj seven-murder incident and 18 RAB members were quizzed following allegations of misappropriating money.
The RAB officials should carry out the investigations against their members fearlessly and share the conclusions in a transparent manner that would build greater public confidence and trust in the organization, the ambassador said.
He further said: “Nobody has a greater interest in holding accountable those who commit abuses in the name of RAB than those members of RAB itself who work with integrity and honesty.”
But the eight week-long training course to strengthen the effectiveness of the RAB Internal Enquiries Cell makes clear that the senior leadership of the government was endeavoring to hold accountable members of the Rapid Action Battalion, he added.
23 individuals from RAB took part in the government-supported training programme assisted by the US, said a US embassy press release.
Source: Dhaka Tribune