The Cabinet has given in-principle and final approval to a draft law proposing the dissolution of the existing Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the establishment of a specialized unit, the Special Response Battalion (SRB), under the Bangladesh Police.

The draft “Special Response Battalion (SRB) Act, 2026” was approved at a Cabinet meeting held on Monday (August 17), chaired by Prime Minister Tarek Rahman, according to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division.

A key feature of the proposed law is the provision to dissolve the existing RAB and establish the SRB as a specialized unit under the police force.

The draft law also provides for the formation of a multi-stakeholder grievance redress committee to address complaints from citizens as well as internal grievances raised by members of the unit.

It further stipulates that RAB-related manpower, orders, powers, authority, benefits, funds, properties, accounts, records and other relevant assets will be transferred to the SRB.

Until new regulations are formulated, the existing rules governing departmental proceedings related to RAB will remain in force with necessary adaptations.

According to the Cabinet Division notification, the draft Special Response Battalion (SRB) Act, 2026 received final approval subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division.