Bangladesh, Aug. 23 -- After two decades of controversy, allegations of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, and mounting demands for its abolition, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) is set to be formally dissolved.

But the proposed replacement - the Special Response Battalion (SRB) - is already facing questions over whether it represents a genuine institutional break or simply RAB in a new form.

The Cabinet on 17 August gave policy and final approval, subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, to the draft Special Response Battalion Act, 2026.

The government says RAB will be abolished and a new specialised police unit will be established to tackle serious and emerging crimes.

The proposed...