Desk News

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has launched a nationwide initiative to compile what it describes as an “unbiased” list of extortionists, signaling a renewed push to combat organized crime and illegal financial activities across the country.

The announcement was made during a press briefing at the RAB Media Centre in Dhaka. Wing Commander M Z M Intekhaba Chowdhury, Director of RAB’s Legal and Media Wing, outlined the scope of the initiative. He said the list would include offenders at all levels, ranging from petty extortionists to individuals allegedly leading major criminal networks.

According to Chowdhury, the initiative follows directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, which has instructed law enforcement agencies to identify extortionists and take appropriate legal action. He emphasized that once the list is finalized, action will be taken against every individual included, without exception.

RAB officials confirmed that the Director General has directed all 15 battalions to begin compiling the list, and the process is already underway. Authorities expressed confidence that the results of the operation will become visible in the near future.

Responding to questions from journalists, Chowdhury noted that extortion occurs in various forms and across multiple sectors, making it a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response. He added that RAB is working to identify the networks and patterns behind such crimes to ensure more effective enforcement.

On the issue of political influence, Chowdhury stated that since the July Mass Uprising, RAB has operated without external pressure. He also maintained that the force has not been involved in any human rights violations during this period.

He addressed a recent allegation involving individuals reportedly linked to Jubo Dal, the youth wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, who were accused of demanding 500,000 taka from a kidney specialist’s hospital in the Shyamoli area of Dhaka. Chowdhury said the matter is currently under police investigation, while RAB has initiated its own intelligence verification. He assured that necessary action will be taken if the allegation is proven.

In addition to the crackdown on extortion, RAB highlighted several recent operations across the country. These include the arrest of two suspected human traffickers in Cox’s Bazar, the capture of a top criminal along with weapons in Khulna, and the arrest of a suspect within 48 hours in connection with an attack case in Chattogram.

Further operations involved the detention of a listed criminal and drug dealer in Sonargaon, as well as the seizure of approximately 500,000 yaba tablets from a fishing trawler in Patenga.

RAB officials reiterated their commitment to strengthening operations against extortion, drug trafficking, and organized crime, adding that nationwide efforts will continue in the coming weeks to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law.