THE Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) was raised to enforce the law, avoiding the path of corruption that plagued traditional enforcement. Initially, due to its brilliant success, the incidence of organised crime dropped. A considerable number of top criminals were killed or nabbed by it and others fled the country to escape its dragnet. Later, RAB also sent shivers down the spine of the underworld.
But it is not the same RAB which is seen now. It appears to have degenerated into a rather easy-going force. It seems to be lacking its proactive role against crime and criminals. Now wonder, slowly the crime gangs that ceased to operate only a few years ago, are back in business as usual. The situation calls for a prompt review by the highest quarters of the government.
RAB was created with public money as an efficient and highly motivated elite law enforcement body to deliver service. Businesses were protected from the underworld, specially from the extortionists. For a while, it seemed that the common citizen also found relief due to RAB's consistently sound performance. But with RAB slackening its grip, the law and order is becoming elusive again.
There is no need to explain why it is so very important for RAB to get back its earlier zeal, for at stake is the country's economy. Lawlessness dogged the country for long. Investors were put off by insecurity. RAB's exceptionally positive activities earned the appreciation and confidence of all citizens, including the business people. It is imperative to re-energise RAB.
Murad Reza
Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka
Re-energise RAB
FE Team | Published: August 16, 2009 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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