"Crossfire"

Set up as an elite crime fighting force drawn from the military and police, Bangladesh's Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has routinely engaged in extrajudicial killings and torture of people in custody and claiming falsely that they died during an exchange of fire. According to RAB's own figures, the force has gunned down well over 600 alleged criminals since 2004. This report documents the ongoing human rights violations perpetrated by RAB officers in and around Dhaka after the current Awami League-led government came to power. Created by the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), RAB was heavily criticized by the Awami League while in opposition. However, after the Awami League took office in January 2009 the killings have continued and no RAB officer has been prosecuted. Government officials have even justified or denied RAB's abuses. Though there may be some within the system urging reform and accountability, RAB continues to operate with impunity. The Bangladesh government should follow through on its commitments and ensure that there are prompt, impartial, and independent investigations into torture and deaths in the custody of RAB. The government should prosecute all former and current members of RAB, of whatever rank, who are found to be responsible for human rights violations.