SRB Gets First Investigation Case Since Replacing RAB

The newly formed Special Response Battalion (SRB) has been assigned its first case for investigation since replacing the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

A Dhaka court has directed the SRB to investigate allegations of attempted house occupation, assault and extortion in the capital’s Mirpur area and submit a report.

Nazir of the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court Abul Hasan Kanan confirmed the matter.

Md Mizanur Rahman alias Bacchu filed the complaint before Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam’s court in Dhaka on Sunday. After hearing the complaint, the court recorded the complainant’s statement and directed the SRB to investigate the allegations.

The accused are Hemayet Uddin Sumon, Md Nazmul Hossain and Munni Akter Mishti.

According to the court order, Section 10(c) of the Special Response Battalion Act empowers the SRB to take action against offences including drug-related crimes, cybercrime, land grabbing and other land-related offences.

As the case concerns land, the court said the SRB director general has the authority under Section 5(2) of the law to assign the investigation of any criminal offence. The court therefore considered it appropriate for the complaint to be investigated by the SRB.

Under Section 15(2) of the Act, the court directed the SRB director general to assign the investigation to a unit member holding a rank no lower than sub-inspector of police and submit a report.

According to the complaint, Md Yunus Ali and his wife, Ruma Akter, owners of a multi-storey building on a plot in Mirpur Housing Estate, have been living in Canada with their families.

Their paternal uncle, Mizanur Rahman, has been looking after their immovable properties in Bangladesh, including maintenance and other responsibilities, the complaint said.

The complainant alleged that the accused had long been attempting to occupy and take control of the house, taking advantage of the owners’ absence.

According to the complaint, the accused, led by Hemayet, forcibly entered the house on July 16, 2025, and attempted to take possession of it. When they were obstructed, they allegedly threatened to kill the complainant.

At one point, Hemayet allegedly demanded Tk 50 lakh from Mizanur Rahman as extortion, according to the complaint.

The complaint further alleged that after Mizanur refused to pay, the accused entered the house, vandalised it and took Tk 2 lakh in cash.