The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-15 in Cox’s Bazar has undergone a significant reshuffle, with over 400 officers and staff transferred by RAB headquarters. The transfers took place gradually between 19 and 27 November. Notably, three days ago, Lieutenant Colonel Kamrul Islam, the commanding officer of the Cox’s Bazar battalion, was transferred to RAB headquarters in Dhaka.
A senior RAB source indicated that the transfers were prompted by allegations of involvement in various criminal activities. Cox’s Bazar, being a strategically important district bordering the sea and Myanmar, has a dedicated RAB-15 battalion. Unlike other battalions that cover multiple districts, RAB-15 is solely responsible for security in Cox’s Bazar.
RAB Director General A K M Shahidur Rahman told journalists that these transfers are part of routine rotations within the force. He added that if any officer is found guilty of criminal misconduct, strict action will be taken against them.
According to reliable RAB sources, some members of the Cox’s Bazar unit have long been under suspicion of involvement in yaba (methamphetamine) trafficking and other criminal activities. An internal investigation into these allegations has been ongoing for the past month. Following the findings, Lieutenant Colonel Kamrul Islam and the battalion’s deputy commanding officer were transferred. Several officers from other units were also reassigned, and an equal number of personnel were transferred into RAB-15 from other units to maintain operational effectiveness.
This strategic reshuffle aims to strengthen internal discipline and oversight within RAB-15 while ensuring that the battalion continues to maintain law and order in this sensitive region. The move is seen as a proactive step to address misconduct allegations and preserve the credibility of the force.
