US trained RAB how to interrogate, behave with people: Foreign minister

Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen
File photo

Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen on Friday said that it is the United States that trained RAB on their rules of engagement how to behave with people and how to interrogate, reports UNB.

"They've been trained by the USA. The US has taught them the rules of engagement, how to behave with people and how to interrogate," he told newsmen after attending a number of programmes, recalling the role of the USA and the UK in training the RAB.

Momen said RAB is very efficient in its work and they are very effective. "They're very efficient and they're not corrupt. That's why they've been able to gain the trust of people."

The foreign minister said the government will definitely encourage RAB to go and take training afresh if they (RAB) have any weaknesses in the rules of engagement and if there are any human rights violations in these rules of engagement.

But the sections that have been imposed on individuals suddenly are not very justified, said the foreign minister, adding that the US got one-sided information.

The government remains open to sharing experience, revisiting some aspects of the US and UK trained RAB's rules of engagement and their training on human rights in handling the crimes.

Momen said terrorist activities in the country have decreased because of RAB and in the last few years, there has been no more terrorist activity in the country after the Holey Artisan incident.

"This has been possible because of RAB. The US Department of State itself has acknowledged it. There're some people who don't like the law and order in the country. Those who like terrorism or drugs don't like RAB because RAB also acts against them. It's very sad," he added.

Earlier, the foreign minister wrote to his US counterpart Antony J. Blinken on a number of issues, including a call to "waive sanctions" on RAB and its current and former senior officials.