Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Thursday said that the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has been able to regain public trust and reputation through its recent activities following the July mass uprising.

Speaking as the chief guest at the RAB Commanders’ Conference at its headquarters in Uttara, the adviser acknowledged that RAB had earned some disrepute during the fascist regime before the July revolution, but stressed that its performance since then has been widely appreciated.

RAB must put the past behind and work with fresh zeal, he said, noting that the force has recently achieved notable success in combating narcotics and recovering looted arms.

He, however, observed that while carriers of drugs are being caught, the masterminds remain beyond reach.

RAB has to play a stronger role in nabbing these drug godfathers. Although most of the looted arms have been recovered, some still remain outside. RAB must also lead in recovering those weapons, he added.

The adviser thanked RAB members for their dedicated service during last year’s Durga Puja and reminded them that the number of Puja mandaps has increased this year.

He urged RAB personnel to be more vigilant and sincere in carrying out their duties, instructing them to enhance patrols and monitoring at temples from now on.

Referring to the upcoming national election, the adviser said that although the current law and order situation is under control, intra-party conflicts and violence among political parties could intensify during the polls.

Accomplices of the fallen autocrat may also attempt to foil the election. So, law enforcement agencies, including RAB, must remain alert and cautious from now, he warned, urging RAB personnel to stay vigilant about the possible use of deadly weapons.

RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman and commanders of all RAB battalions were present at the briefing.