Rab's new wing to probe its HR violation

Amid widespread criticism of extra-judicial killings, Rapid Action Battalion has formed a new wing to investigate allegations of human rights violations brought against its personnel.
The new wing, Internal Enquiry Cell (IEC), will receive and respond to citizens' complaints against members of Rab. However, Rab officials did not say how people would reach the IEC, formed with the assistance of the US government.
Rab yesterday awarded certificates to Rab personnel who completed a foundation course. The United States government provided the five-week training to 19 Rab officials, from sub-inspector to director level, of the new wing. The training ended on January 5.
Some past excesses have tainted Rab's considerable success in fighting terrorism and criminality and that chapter should be closed to open a new chapter, said US Ambassador to Bangladesh Dan Mozena at the certificate-giving ceremony.
He, however, did not elaborate on what excesses had been committed by the elite force.
“By training this class of nineteen officials of the newly created Rab IEC, the government and Rab leaders make it clear that Rab will hold its members accountable for conducting themselves lawfully and using internationally recognised law enforcement techniques and procedures while protecting rights of the victims and the accused and respecting human rights and dignity,” Mozena said.
Now Rab had a standard conduct policy where none existed before, he said, adding that Rab now had clear use of force regulations, which all members of the force were required to sign.
Hinting at extrajudicial acts committed by Rab, Mozena said to the 19 graduates, “Some may tell you that street justice is better than no justice. Do not be seduced by expediency.”
“If there is any question, allegation or suspicion against any personnel now there is an institutional system to look into it,” said Inspector General of Police Hasan Mahmud Khandaker at the function.
State Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku and Rab Director General Mukhlesur Rahman also spoke at the programme.