Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have begun preparations to carry out duties for the upcoming national election scheduled for February. Around 9,000 RAB personnel of various ranks will undergo training. The first phase of the training will be held in Dhaka during the first week of October. Subsequently, RAB members across the country will gradually be brought into the training program.
On Thursday, during a day-long conference of RAB commanders, field-level members were instructed to take all necessary preparations to perform election duties. These details were confirmed by multiple sources.
When contacted, RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman said that RAB members will be trained for election duties. The training in Dhaka will be held from October 8 to 10. Afterward, trainers will conduct sessions in other battalions across the country.
Sources said that commanders from RAB’s 15 battalions attended the conference in person, while all other battalions joined online. The Director General addressed the members at around 10 AM, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities ahead. He emphasized that RAB members must carry out their duties with integrity and dedication during the upcoming election.
Another source mentioned that any RAB member found involved in misconduct or unprofessional activities would face strict punishment. The importance of professionalism in carrying out duties was reiterated. Gathering advance intelligence on national and security-related issues was stressed.
Instructions were also given to remain on high alert during the upcoming Durga Puja to prevent any untoward incidents. The matter of how to operate during student union elections was also discussed. Members were advised to set aside concerns about the dissolution of RAB and focus on public-oriented service.
RAB spokesperson Wing Commander M Z M Intekhab Chowdhury stated that a detailed analysis of operational matters from all battalions was carried out during the commanders’ conference. Discussions were held on how RAB members should prepare for the upcoming election.
Some battalion-specific issues were also raised in the conference. For example, RAB-15 in Cox’s Bazar does not yet have its own office space. The high command assured that this issue would be addressed soon.
Police Training for Election Duty
Meanwhile, over 150,000 police personnel will be trained to ensure a peaceful and secure election. The training has already begun. The Police Headquarters has developed nine training modules based on advice from election experts and legal professionals.
Speaking with relevant police officials, it was learned that the courses are designed to prepare officers to handle any law-and-order situation effectively during the election. Across the country, there are 130 small and 4 large training centers where police personnel will receive this training.
As part of the election training program, two documentaries, a 15-minute audio-visual content, a 9-minute film, and a booklet have been prepared.
From August 31 to September 2, 150 master trainers were trained according to the module developed by the Police Headquarters in Dhaka. There are also plans to create 1,292 trainers of trainers (ToTs) across 19 police training centers nationwide.
These ToTs will later train the 150,000+ police personnel responsible for election duties. All trainers will undergo practical simulation exercises to prepare for possible scenarios during the election. These initiatives are being implemented to ensure maximum security during the electoral period.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued instructions to the police to begin election preparations. In multiple meetings of the ministry’s law and order core committee, the issue of duty during the election has been raised. Additional meetings with Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) have emphasized the need for joint exercises with all law enforcement agencies.
To ensure a peaceful election, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has instructed the police to make all necessary preparations. In March, he participated in a meeting with field-level police officials and urged them to begin planning immediately for a peaceful electoral process.
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