Rab launches onsite verification system

For the first time in Bangladesh, Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) has launched an Onsite Identification and Verification System (OIVS) to check profile of a criminal or suspect instantly.

OIVS will have profiles with details of NID, passport and immigration history, criminal record and previous arrest history.

It will provide information on whether a person violated traffic rules. It will help law enforcers trace identity of any unidentified body.

Home Minister Asaduzzman Khan Kamal inaugurated the system at the ministry yesterday as chief guest.

The minister also inaugurated a television commercial titled, "Mrittionjoye Sahoshe Manusher Pashe (By the people with immortal courage)", to commemorate the sacrifices made by deceased Rab personnel.

Col Tofail Mostofa Sarwar, additional director general (operation) of Rab, said any mobile team of the force will be able to check a criminal or suspect's identity instantly. It will also save time, he added.

Mostofa Kamal Uddin, senior secretary of home ministry, said criminals often hide information but through this new system they will not be able to do so.  

Benazir Ahmed, inspector general of police, said he would like to use this new system for the police force.

Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, director general of Rab, said this new system will make the process of court work quicker and easier.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said Rab has gain people's trust through their expertise. "There is a misconception among people that only criminals are killed in various gunfight. That's not right," he said. 

"They [criminals] carry weapons and when challenged by members of the law enforcement, they fire those. Law enforcers fire back in self-defense. Many members of the law enforcement agencies including Rab were killed in those incidents," said the home boss.

So far, 28 Rab members have been killed and more than 500 were injured in different drives in recent times, he said.