Rapid Action Battalion

The Rapid Action Battalion (Bengali: র‍্যাপিড অ্যাকশন ব্যাটালিয়ন, romanised: Ryaepid Ækśon Byāṭāliẏan; abbreviated as RAB) is an elite law enforcement force in Bangladesh tasked with combating serious crimes, terrorism, and organised criminal activities. Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, RAB is a composite force comprising personnel from the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, BGB, and Ansar. Since its establishment in 2004, RAB has played a key role in counter-terrorism, anti-drug operations, and high-profile criminal investigations.

The Rapid Action Battalion has faced criticism from human rights groups for their alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. It is estimated that between 2004 and 2008, RAB had killed 1,062 people.

In August 2026 the ministry of foreign affairs proposed to replace it with Special Response Battalion under Special Response Battalion (SRB) Act, 2026.