Over four months of Islamist takeover of Bangladesh, on December 12, the Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) convened a press conference to offer a public apology for the force’s actions in its operational history. This remarkable gesture comes at a politically charged moment, coinciding with renewed demands for RAB’s abolition by the very political party responsible for its establishment. In a nation rife with political tensions, this move appears more than an organizational realization; it signifies a pivotal turn in Bangladesh’s trajectory in combating terrorism and militancy.

The RAB was established in 2004 under the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government amidst a surge of terrorism and militancy in the country. Created as an elite force to counter these threats, it quickly became synonymous with fear for those engaged in violent activities. RAB’s effectiveness expanded its operations beyond counterterrorism to address broader challenges, evolving into a central pillar of the nation’s law enforcement framework.

The Director General, during the press conference, explicitly apologized for past operations, including the infamous Narayanganj seven-murder case. However, the selective nature of his apology raises eyebrows. While he addressed victims associated with a single high-profile case, there was no mention of those who perished during anti-terror operations, such as figures like Picchi Hannan, David, Elias, Ekramul Haque or Bangla Bhai. This selective remorse creates a perception of political bias, potentially aimed at serving for vested quarters who want to destabilize the country. He made statements that appeared to defend Shamim Osman, the mastermind behind the gruesome murder, aligned with the fascist Sheikh Hasina government. If the victims killed in the seven murders were alive today, they would likely have become victims of the 2024........

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