DHAKA, March 5, 2024 (BSS) - Tomorrow is the 20th founding anniversary of the anticrime elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

On the eve of the day, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued a greeting message to the members of the RAB.

The Premier, in her message, said the Rapid Action Battalion has been playing an admirable role in improving the law and order situation in the country, ensuring the safety and security of people with professionalism, efficiency and dedication since its inception.
 
The force occupied a firm position among the people as a symbol of confidence and dependence in maintaining the law and order across the country, she said.
 
She recalled the contribution of RAB members, who embraced martyrdom in maintaining the law and order situation of the country, with profound respect.
 
RAB carried out drives on a regular basis against militancy, arson-terrorism, illegal firearms, drugs, pirates, forest bandits, extremism, dacoits, teenagers' gangs, counterfeiting, cybercrime and women-child trafficking/abuse, she said.
 
Even in the month of Ramadan, RAB carries out regular operations against profiteers, she added.
 
Sheikh Hasina said RAB has set an example by standing beside the suffering people in various types of natural calamities such as storms, floods and landslides and man-made calamities and even during the Corona pandemic.
 
"After forming the Awami League (AL) government in 2009, we announced a zero-tolerance policy against militancy. We have eradicated militancy from the country. In 2018, we were able to declare the Sundarbans pirate-free. In this regard, RAB, other law enforcement agencies and local people supported the government," she added.
 
The AL-led government has transformed RAB into a three-dimensional force, she said.
 
"We have developed this force into a highly agile force consisting of 15 battalions. RAB has been receiving police medals every year for conducting adventurous operations and for its acts of gallantry and service," the Premier said.

The premier hoped that the members of this force would play a responsible, effective and active role in the future to secure the lives and property of the people, inspired by the motto 'Bangladesh Amar Ahankar' and the spirit of the great war of liberation.