RAB ready to assist in national election, if assigned: DG

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman on Monday said the force is ready to assist in maintaining law and order during the upcoming national election, should the Election Commission assign them the task.

“RAB is fully prepared to fulfill its responsibilities if entrusted by the Election Commission. We expect that the law and order situation will remain stable throughout the election period,” he told reporters after visiting Karwanbazar in the capital.

The visit was part of an awareness campaign against the production, transportation and marketing of banned polythene.

Highlighting growing concerns, the RAB’s DG said, “Despite having various restrictions in place, the use of banned polythene has alarmingly increased in recent times. Some dishonest traders are secretly producing and marketing it, putting public health and the environment at serious risk.”

He said RAB’s intelligence operations are going on to bring those involved in illegal polythene trade under the law.

“RAB’s combined efforts to curb illegal polythene are not just a government initiative but will take the form of a national movement. For building a sustainable and eco-friendly society, people must become more aware of the harmful effects of producing and using banned polythene,” the RAB DG said.

He said RAB continues its regular patrols, surveillance and drives to curb terrorism and other criminal activities alongside maintaining law and order in the country.

During Monday’s campaign at Karwanbazar, RAB personnel distributed leaflets among shopkeepers and traders to raise awareness about the harmful effects of using banned polythene.

RAB and the Department of Environment are jointly conducting various activities, including nationwide leaflet distribution, to discourage the use of banned polythene and promote eco-friendly alternatives.