'Very few forces in the world show humanity like RAB'
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) legal and media wing director Khandaker Al Moin has said the allegations of violation of human rights against RAB are not true.
"Very few forces in the world show humanity like RAB," the RAB official claimed while addressing a press conference at its media centre in Karwan Bazar in the city on Saturday, regarding unearthing an incident of theft
Moin made the remarks after US state department slapped sanctions on current inspector general of the Bangladesh Police and former director general of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Benazir Ahmed, and former commanding officer of RAB-7 Miftah Uddin Ahmed on Friday.
After the press conference, reporters sought reaction over the position of the US government.
In reply, Al Moin said RAB does not snatch human rights, rather it protects human rights.
He also said they have so far learnt about the sanctions from the media. If anything is conveyed officially, the foreign ministry and the home ministry will disclose the position of the government.
Al Moin said as many as 28 members including Lieutenant Colonel Azad sacrificed their lives to protect human rights.
Over 1,000 members have lost their limbs to protect human rights and maintain law and order, he said adding over 2,000 members have been injured while maintaining the law and order.
RAB spokesman Al Moin also said, "With 9,000 members, I doubt that there is any force in the world where so many law enforcers have made such sacrifice to protect human rights."
RAB has been formed comprising meritorious officers of different forces and they carry out certain specific tasks.
Al Moin said the Sundarbans have been rid of pirates under the initiative of RAB.
Some 326 members of 36 criminal groups have surrendered. RAB also worked to tackle extremism. Steps have been taken to rehabilitate them.
He also said the pirates have been provided houses. All steps have been taken to bring them to normal life. A very few forces in the world have shown such humanity.
Dope test was introduced in RAB first so that no drug addict can enter this force. During the coronavirus period, when sons abandoned their fathers or fathers their sons, it was RAB who brought them to hospitals by helicopter.
When reporters asked about the allegations of RAB's involvement in extrajudicial killings, Al Moin said, "Allegations of exchange of fire and crossfire were raised at different occasions. The law has provided the scope of self-defence. We have opened fire when we were resisted and fired at during operations against drugs and extremism. Officers and different members were martyred during the firing."
Al Moin said an executive investigation is carried out in every incident of firing. If anyone makes mistake, RAB takes tough action. The position of RAB is very tough against the violation of law and rules, he added.