A draft of the Rab Law-2024 is being prepared to ensure accountability within the force, AKM Shahidur Rahman, director general of the Rapid Action Battalion told a meeting yesterday.

"If this law remains in effect, no one will be able to use force for personal gain," he said in a presentation during a closed-door seminar as part of the ongoing Police Week, according to sources.

The Rab has long been accused of violating human rights. In 2021, the US imposed sanctions on the Rab and six former top officials of the agency over reports of gross human rights violations.

Two and a half months ago, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in its fact-finding report on the July uprising, recommended disbanding the force, citing serious human rights violations and abuses.

Rab DG Shahidur's presentation at the seminar yesterday primarily focused on the force's reform and success. He said the force is now committed to upholding transparency, accountability, and human rights in its operations.

To ensure internal discipline and address misconduct, the force has recently strengthened its internal investigation cell, he said. A dedicated human rights cell has also been set up to bring transparency across all levels of operation.

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The Rab arrested 1,487 suspects in connection with 442 murder cases, and another 154 suspects in sabotage-related cases between August 5, 2024, and April 28, 2025, according to him.

On the second day of Police Week, several other police units, including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) and Tourist Police, also delivered presentations before top police officials, including Inspector General Baharul Alam.

A lack of adequate budget for basic operational needs was a common concern raised by nearly all the units, according to meeting sources.

The units said many officers reportedly continue to use personal funds to carry out investigations due to insufficient official allocations. Additionally, there is no separate funding for handling unidentified bodies -- an issue police units say has long been a source of frustration.

LACK OF MANPOWER, FUNDS

In a session with government advisers and secretaries later in the evening, seven senior police officials presented reform proposals intended to meet rising operational demands and public expectations.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Nazmul Karim Khan highlighted a severe manpower shortage, noting that the GMP currently has 1,169 officers, each of whom serves an average of 288 residents. He proposed increasing the size of the unit by 2,428 personnel.

DIG Ataul Kabir of the Mymensingh Range raised concern over the lack of a Reserve Force and proposed forming one immediately.

Romana Akter, additional DIG of CID, recommended setting up digital forensic labs in every division to enhance criminal investigations.

AFM Akhtaruzzaman Bosunia, DIG of Highway Police, proposed the recruitment of 6,000 more officers for his unit.

Additional DIG Anowar Hossain of Industrial Police urged that certain labour laws be amended to enable police to perform their duties more effectively in industrial areas.

Two and a half months ago, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in its fact-finding report on the July uprising, recommended disbanding the force, citing serious human rights violations and abuses.

Dhaka Superintendent of Police Mohammad Anisuzzaman stressed the need for more funding to conduct timely investigations.

Chattogram SP Saiful Islam Shanto suggested that travel and overtime allowances be introduced to improve officers' morale and performance.

Mustafizur Rahman, AIG of the Housing Directorate at Police Headquarters, called for Public Works Department facilities to be allocated exclusively for police housing.

The advisers present assured their full cooperation in implementing the proposed reforms through their respective ministries.

They promised institutional support and comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening the police's operational effectiveness and public orientation.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said essential reforms would be undertaken to uphold the dignity and integrity of the police force.

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that the country's overall law and order situation is improving, though there remains room for further advancement.

Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan urged the police to become a "people's force" by moving away from any lingering authoritarian tendencies. "The police must shed fascist traits and work more closely with citizens," he said.

Fayez Ahmad Tayyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser on posts, telecommunications and ICT, underscored the need for digital transformation. He said the police could truly serve the public only when their operations are significantly enhanced by technology. He assured full support from the ICT Division to help build that capacity.

Also present were Home Ministry Senior Secretary Nasimul Ghani, Law Secretary Sheikh Abu Taher, Public Works Secretary Md Nazrul Islam, ICT Secretary Shish Hayder Chowdhury, and Finance Secretary Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder.

The day's sessions began with a presentation by the CID.

Its chief, Additional IGP Gazi Jasim, highlighted the agency's performance between January 2024 and March 2025.

He said a special inquiry committee was formed to investigate the assets of former ministers and influential individuals following last year's political transition. So far, the committee has traced over Tk 1,000 crore in assets, including approximately 5,800 decimals of land.

Jasim also said several major business groups, including S Alam, Beximco, Bashundhara, Nabil, Unique and Sikder, are under investigation.