We use force only where it’s necessary: Rab DG

Outgoing Director General of Rapid Action Battalion Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun today said that Rab only uses force where it is necessary.

"We use force only where it is necessary. We don't use it, where it is not necessary," Mamun came up with the replay when he was asked whether Rab has stopped "crossfire" or "gunfight" due to the US sanctions.

It is mentioned that the number of gunfights incidents has dropped significantly since December 10 last last when the United States imposed human rights-related sanctions on the Rab and seven of its top officials.

Mamun, who is joining as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on September 30 after serving as Rab DG for the last two years and five months, is one among the seven officials.

He was sharing his experience as Rab DG with reporters at its media center in the capital's Karwan Bazar area.

Asked, was it a difficult time serving as Rab DG due to the sanctions or whether the number of gunfights and deaths has decreased because of it, Mamun said "We do not think so."

"When we are attacked, when the drug, arms, and human traffickers attack us, then we take action according to the existing laws. We do not cross the powers given to Rab by the laws," he said.

The number of gunfights incidents has declined now. Does it mean the attack on Rab has decreased?

In response to the query, the outgoing Rab DG said, "We use force only where necessary. We take action as per the situation demands."

"We take measures according to the prevailing laws in our country," he said.

Rab has started the war against narcotics but the number of addicts is still increasing.

Does it mean the drive against narcotics failed? In response to the query, Mamun said "The war what we are fighting against narcotics is global. This war is not of us only; it is going on all over the world."

Most of the inmates in prison were drug addicts and it was possible to send them jail only because of the effort of the law enforcement agencies, the Rab DG said.

"After the Prime Minister's zero-tolerance policy, raids are being conducted wherever drugs are found," he added.

"Not only Rab, but all the law enforcement agencies are arresting them. Everyone needs awareness of drugs at their homes. Parents should be aware of where the child is going," said Mamun.

Mamun further said demand and supply are related to one another.

"We are working on it. There is no scope to say drugs are not under control. Operations are being conducted wherever any information is found," said Mamun.

"If we had failed against drugs then there would not be so many drugs accused in the prisons. We believe that if we all speak up, we will soon see a drug-free society," added Mamun.

Mamun further said that around 36,000 drug traders were arrested during his tenure as Rab DG.