In order to further strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Police Battalion (APBN) in the country's changing law and order situation, security challenges and dealing with specialized crimes, an initiative has been taken to formulate 'The Armed Police Battalion Act, 2026' by updating the existing law.
The aim has been to develop the APBN into a more efficient and technology-based specialized force by repealing the 'The Armed Police Battalion Ordinance' enacted 47 years ago and enacting a timely and modern law.
The APBN was established under 'The Armed Police Battalion Ordinance' through Order No. 197 signed by the then President, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman on May 31, 1979. Since its establishment, the force has been performing its duties as a 'second line force' in the country's internal security, law and order control, assistance in emergency situations and during wartime.
However, the nature and extent of crime in the country have changed drastically over a long period of time. In addition to conventional crimes, extremism, crimes against humanity, cross-border crimes, human trafficking, cyber and digital crimes, crimes committed in the air and modern technology-based crimes have created new challenges for law and order and security. In addition, climate change, forcibly displaced populations, movement of foreign nationals and increasing movement of people within and outside the country have also created new realities in security management.
The proposed new law includes initiatives to further expand the scope of APBN's responsibilities and strengthen the legal basis for combating cybercrime, increasing digital and forensic capabilities, suppressing cross-border crimes, preventing human trafficking, countering extremism and conducting strategic and technology-based operations.
In addition, in the context of the structural changes in RAB, it has been mentioned in the relevant proposal that there is a need to repeal the existing law of APBN and enact a new law to regulate and implement the essential aspects of modern policing.
Those concerned believe that if the new law comes into force, the institutional capacity, professionalism, accountability and effectiveness of the APBN will further increase in line with the changing security reality. At the same time, the Armed Police Battalion Act, 2026 will play an important role in modernizing, strengthening and integrating the country's law and order and security system.
