RAB prepares ‘unbiased’ list of extortionists

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) is preparing what it describes as an “unbiased” nationwide list of alleged extortionists, a spokesperson for the elite force has said.

The list will include individuals at all levels, from grassroots operatives to high-level masterminds involved in extortion activities.

The initiative follows a directive from the home minister to identify and arrest those engaged in such crimes.

Explaining the move, Wing Commander MZM Intekhab Chowdhury, director of RAB’s legal and media wing, said at a press conference at the RAB Media Centre at in the capital on Saturday that once the list is finalised, legal action will be taken against all those named.

He emphasised that no individual would be spared and that efforts are being made to ensure the list remains completely unbiased. He added that action would be taken swiftly after the list is completed.

Intekhab further noted that all 15 battalions of the force have been instructed by the director general to begin compiling the data, expressing hope that the results of these efforts would soon be visible.

Responding to a question about possible political interference, he said that since the July Uprising, the force has not faced any such pressure.

He also claimed that RAB has not been involved in any anti-humanitarian activities during this period.

Referring to a recent allegation of a Tk 500,000 extortion attempt at the hospital of noted kidney transplant surgeon Kamrul Islam in Dhaka’s Shyamoli-where the suspect reportedly identified himself as a Jubo Dal leader-Intekhab said police are currently verifying the complaint.

He added that in such cases, RAB’s intelligence and operational teams conduct shadow investigations and that the perpetrator will be arrested once the allegation is confirmed.

During the briefing, the spokesperson also highlighted several recent successes of the force.