Special Response Battalion

Special Response Battalion
স্পেশাল রেসপন্স ব্যাটালিয়ন
Emblem of Special Response Battalion
Emblem of Special Response Battalion
AbbreviationSRB
Mottoবাংলাদেশ আমার অহংকার
Bangladesh is my pride
Agency overview
Formed15 September 2026; 58 days ago (2026-09-15)
Preceding agency
EmployeesApprox. 12,000
Legal personalityStatutory body
Jurisdictional structure
National agency Bangladesh
Operations jurisdiction Bangladesh
Size148,460 km2 (57,320 sq mi)
Population171 million
Governing bodyMinistry of Home Affairs
Constituting instrument
  • Special Response Battalion (SRB) Act, 2026
General nature
Specialist jurisdiction
  • Counter terrorism, special weapons operations; protection of internationally protected persons, other very important persons, or state property
Operational structure
HeadquartersKurmitola, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Minister responsible
Agency executive
Parent agencyBangladesh Police
Child agency
    • Special Response Battalion 1-15
    • Administration & Finance Wing
    • Operations Wing
    • Intelligence Wing
    • Air Wing
    • Legal & Media Wing
    • Investigation & Forensic Wing
    • Communication & MIS Wing
    • Training & Orientation Wing
    • SRB Forces Training School
    • Research & Development Cell
Facilities
Battalions15
Armored vehiclesOtokar Cobra, IAG Guardian, STREIT Typhoon
HelicoptersBell 407
Service uniform: Black  
Combat uniform: Black  

The Special Response Battalion (abbreviated as SRB) is a specialized law enforcement agency of the Bangladesh Police which was established to replace the dissolved Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). The Special Response Battalion (SRB) Bill, 2026 was passed by voice vote on 10 September 2026, during the third session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, which officially dissolved RAB. The draft of the law had previously received in-principle and final approval during a cabinet meeting held at the Secretariat on 17 August 2026, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. According to the passed legislation, the new force will operate as a specialized unit under the Bangladesh Police.

Background

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) was formed on 26 March 2004, during the then BNP-Jamaat coalition government, as a special police unit aimed at combating militancy and terrorism. It officially commenced operations on 14 April of the same year. Since its establishment, RAB had been operating under the Armed Police Battalion (Amendment) Act of 2003. This "elite force," which consisted of members from the Bangladesh Police, Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Air Force, Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh Ansar and Bangladesh Administrative Service was involved in various anti-crime operations for over two decades. However, it also faced widespread domestic and international criticism over allegations of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and human rights violations.

Following the shift in power during the July Uprising in 2024, pressure intensified to review RAB's activities. Various groups, including the commission investigating enforced disappearances and a United Nations fact-finding mission, recommended the dissolution of RAB. On 3 February 2026, former adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury of the interim government announced that the name and uniform of RAB will be changed, the agency will be renamed subsequently as the Special Intervention Force (SIF), with the approval of the chief adviser, which was not issued at that period. Consequently, the Ministry of Home Affairs published a draft of the SRB Act on its website on 4 August 2026 to gather public opinion.

History

Draft

On 17 August 2026, a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat gave final approval to the draft of the "Special Response Battalion (SRB) Act, 2026," subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division. Subsequently, the bill was introduced in the Jatiya Sangsad and referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Home Affairs for scrutiny. The standing committee recommended presenting the finalized bill to parliament in an amended form.

Act Passed

On 10 September 2026, during the third session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed proposed passing the bill, which Speaker Hafizuddin Ahmed declared passed by voice vote. At the same time, the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) Bill-2026 was also introduced separately in parliament. With the enactment of the new law, the existing legal framework concerning RAB was dissolved; however, prior departmental proceedings rules will remain in effect with necessary adaptations until new regulations are drafted.

The passed legislation includes provisions for transferring RAB's manpower, orders, powers, authority, privileges, funds, properties, accounts, records, and other related assets to the SRB. Thus, while the new law replaces RAB's legal framework, the operational assets, personnel, and institutional responsibilities of the unit remain fundamentally unchanged under the newly formed entity.

Formation

According to the act, the headquarters of the SRB will be located in Dhaka, though units may be established elsewhere in the country with government approval if necessary. The law permits the formation of battalions, companies, platoons, and sections according to the requirements of the force.

The force will be led by a Director General (DG), who will be appointed from among police officers holding the rank of Additional Inspector General of Police (Additional IGP) or above. Subject to the general oversight of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director General will exercise administrative, financial, and operational authority.

The SRB will consist of police officers, members of disciplined forces, and designated armed personnel or employees appointed through direct recruitment or deputation. The duration of deputation or attachment will typically be set for a minimum of two years. The unit will have its own distinctive flag, emblem, and uniform.

Reactions

The initiative to rename and restructure the force has elicited mixed reactions from experts. Some argue that merely changing the name will not restore public confidence; instead, it is essential to eliminate political interference and establish a genuine culture of accountability. Former Director General of RAB, AKM Shahidur Rahman, previously remarked that the decision to dissolve the force rests solely within the government's jurisdiction.

Location

SRB has 15 battalions spread all over the country. Among them, 5 are located in Dhaka. The units are located as follows:

Battalion Name Battalion HQ Jurisdiction
SRB-1 Uttara, Dhaka Dhakshinkhan, Uttar Khan, Turag, Uttara, Dhaka Airport, Gulshan, Banani, Bhatara, Rupganj, Khilkhet, Gazipur
SRB-2 Agargaon, Dhaka Tejgaon, Mohammadpur, Adabar, Dhanmondi, Kalabagan, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, New Market, Hazaribagh
SRB-3 Tikatuli, Dhaka Motijheel, Mugda, Shahjahanpur, Paltan, Khilgaon, Sabujbagh, Rampura, Hatirjheel, Shahbag, Ramna
SRB-4 Mirpur, Dhaka Mirpur, Shah Ali, Pallabi, Darus Salam, Kafrul, Bhashantek, Cantonment, Savar, Ashulia, Dhamrai, Manikganj
SRB-5 Kashiadanga, Rajshahi Rajshahi, Chapai Nawabganj, Natore, Naogaon, Joypurhat
SRB-6 Labanchara, Khulna Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Jashore, Narail, Magura, Jhenaidah, Gopalganj
SRB-7 Patenga, Chattogram Chattogram, Feni, Khagrachhari, Rangamati
SRB-8 Rupatali, Barishal Barisal Division, Shariatpur, Madaripur
SRB-9 South Surma, Sylhet Sylhet Division, Brahmanbaria
SRB-10 Keraniganj, Dhaka Demra, Jatrabari, Shyampur, Kadamtali, Sutrapur, Wari, Kotwali, Lalbagh, Kamrangirchar, Chowkbazar, Bangsal, Gendaria, Dohar, Nawabganj, Keraniganj, Sirajdikhan, Louhajang, Sreenagar, Rajbari, Faridpur
SRB-11 Siddhirganj, Narayanganj Lakshmipur, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chandpur, Narayanganj, Tongibari, Gazaria, Munshiganj Sadar
SRB-12 Salanga, Sirajganj Sirajganj, Pabna, Bogura, Kushtia, Meherpur, Chuadanga
SRB-13 Kotwali, Rangpur Rangpur Division
SRB-14 Mymensingh Mymensingh, Kishoreganj, Tangail, Raomari, Char Rajibpur
SRB-15 Cox's Bazar Cox's Bazar, Bandarban

Organization

SRB has the following administrative wings under the SRB HQ:

Administration & Finance Superwing

Operations Wing

Intelligence Wing

Legal & Media Wing

Communication & MIS Wing

Investigation & Forensic Wing

Air Wing

Training & Orientation Wing

SRB Forces Training School

Research & Development Cell

  1. The Admin & Finance Superwing is overseen directly by the Additional Director General (Administration) holding the rank of DIGP.
  2. Each Wing is directed by a Deputy Director General of the rank of ADIGP / Col. or equivalent holding the designation of Wing Director (WD).
  3. Each Branch is headed by a Director of the rank of SP / Lt. Col. or equivalent holding the designation of Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
  4. Each Cell / Sub-branch / Section / Unit is headed by a Deputy Director of the rank of Addl SP / Maj. or equivalent holding the designation of Special Officer-in-Charge (SOIC).

Notabene: Only the R & D Cell and the Cells under the Legal & Media Wing are headed by Directors of the rank of SP / Lt. Col. or equivalent holding the designation of Cell CEO.

Rank Structure

SRB is composed of personnel from Police, Intelligence, Administrative Service and the Military & Paramilitary.

Superior officers

Rank group General/Flag officers Senior officers Junior officers
Special Response Battalion Commandant General (Director General) Deputy Commandant General (Additional Director General) Senior Commandant/Deputy Director General (Wing Director) Commandant - Jr. Grade/Director (Jt Wing Director/Bn CO/CEO - Branch) Deputy Commandant/Deputy Director (SOIC - Cell/Bn 2IC/Coy Cdr/Sqn Cdr/Bn Law Offr) Assistant Commandant/Assistant Director (Executive Magistrate/Bn Adjt/Bn QM/Bn Ops Offr/Coy 2IC/Bn Intel Offr/Bn Media Offr/Bn Medical Offr)
Addl IGP/Maj Gen/Air Mshl/RAdm DIGP/Brig Gen/Air Cdre/Cdre Addl DIGP/Col/Gp Capt/Capt SP/Lt Col/Wg Cdr/Cdr Addl SP/Maj/Sqn Ldr/Lt Cdr AC/ASP/Capt/Flt Lt/Lt
Grade 1 2 3 4 5 7

Subordinate officers

Rank group First-Class Gazetted Officers Subordinate Personnel Enlisted
Special Response Battalion Deputy Assistant Director Associate Inspector/Armed Sub-Inspector Armed Assistant Sub-Inspector Head Constable Leading Constable Armed Constable
PI/Hon Lt JCO (Sub/WO/CPO)/SIP ASIP/Sgt Maj/PO Havildar/Sgt PN/Nk/Cpl/LCpl PC/Sepoy
Grade 8 & 9 9 & 10 11 12 13 & 14 16 & 17

List of Director General

No. Name Image Took office Left office Tenure Ref.
1 Md. Ahsan Habib Palash 15 September 2026 Incumbent 58 days

Powers and jurisdiction

Following the Code of Criminal Procedure, the SRB is empowered to conduct criminal investigations, searches, arrests, and seizures, as outlined in the passed legislation. Furthermore, the unit will maintain its own lock-up, evidence room (malkhana), and interrogation centers.

Accountability and grievance redressal

In response to the human rights violation allegations raised against its predecessor RAB, the new law includes a provision for establishing a grievance redressal committee composed of various stakeholders. This committee is tasked with resolving public complaints as well as internal disputes among force members. According to government sources, one of the primary objectives behind forming the new force is to make law enforcement activities more transparent, accountable, and people-oriented.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "RAB is being dissolved! 'SRB' is coming with a new name and new look". Dhaka Tribune Bangla. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "RAB dissolved; SRB bill passed". Barishal News. 10 September 2026. Retrieved 11 September 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Draft law to form SRB by dissolving RAB approved by cabinet". Barishal News. 17 August 2026. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  4. ↑ "RAB is being dissolved, draft law approved". Jugantor. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  5. 1 2 "RAB is being dissolved, SRB is coming". NTV Online. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "SRB replacing RAB, urge for accountability". ITV Online. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  7. 1 2 "SRB is coming by dissolving RAB! Why is this controversial force being dissolved?". SS It Bari. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  8. ↑ "Home Adviser informs whether RAB is being dissolved". The Daily Campus. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  9. ↑ "Bangladesh changes name of RAB to SIF". bdnews24.com. 3 February 2026. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
  10. ↑ "Special Intervention Force". Prothom Alo.
  11. ↑ "RAB is being dissolved, SRB will be under Police". Daily Inqilab. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  12. ↑ "Initiative to form 'Special Response Battalion' instead of RAB". Daily Naya Diganta. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  13. 1 2 "SRB is coming instead of RAB, draft of new law published". Probashir Diganta. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  14. 1 2 "RAB is being dissolved, new battalion 'SRB'". Ekushey Television. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  15. ↑ "The government will look into the dissolution of RAB: RAB DG". Bangla Tribune. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
  16. ↑ "About SRB: Battalions". Special Response Battalion.
  17. ↑ "About SRB: Battalion 1". Special Response Battalion.
  18. ↑ "About SRB: Battalion 2". Special Response Battalion.
  19. ↑ "About SRB: Battalion 3". Special Response Battalion.
  20. ↑ "About SRB: Battalion 4". Special Response Battalion.
  21. ↑ "About SRB: Battalion 5". Special Response Battalion.
  22. ↑ "About SRB: Battalion 6". Special Response Battalion.
  23. ↑ "About SRB: Battalion 7". Special Response Battalion.
  24. ↑ "About SRB: Battalion 8". Special Response Battalion.
  25. ↑ "About SRB: Battalion 9". Special Response Battalion.
  26. ↑ "About SRB: Battalion 10". Special Response Battalion.
  27. ↑ "About SRB: Battalion 11". Special Response Battalion.
  28. ↑ "About SRB: Battalion 12". Special Response Battalion.
  29. ↑ "About SRB: Battalion13". Special Response Battalion.
  30. ↑ "About SRB: Battalion 14". Special Response Battalion.
  31. ↑ "About SRB: Battalion 15". Special Response Battalion.
  32. ↑ "About SRB: Organization". Special Response Battalion.
  33. ↑ "About SRB: Organization". Special Response Battalion.
  34. ↑ "About SRB: Organization". Special Response Battalion.
  35. ↑ "About SRB: Organization". Special Response Battalion.
  36. ↑ "About SRB: Organization". Special Response Battalion.
  37. ↑ "About SRB: Organization". Special Response Battalion.
  38. ↑ "About SRB: Organization". Special Response Battalion.
  39. ↑ "About SRB: Organization". Special Response Battalion.
  40. ↑ "About SRB: Organization". Special Response Battalion.
  41. ↑ "About SRB: Organization". Special Response Battalion.
  42. ↑ "About SRB: Organization". Special Response Battalion.
  43. ↑ "About SRB: Rank". Special Response Battalion.
  44. ↑ "About Officers': hierarchy". Special Response Battalion.
  45. 1 2 "About SRB: Rank". Special Response Battalion.
  46. ↑ "Ahsan Habib Palash becomes new RAB chief". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 2026-03-16.