The RAB is your friend or “Team Bangladesh”

They’re dressed in black from head to toe. They sport bandanas, sunglasses, 10-hole black army boots and casually sling fancy-looking modern artillery over their shoulders. They are usually under 30 and a good percentage of them are quite cute.

They are on the streets to keep the peace and bring justice to those who deserve it (or don’t?).

They will not hesitate to commandeer a vehicle on the street if necessary (including at 4am when two helpless foreigners need a cab home after an overnight bus trip and the only one available has a passenger in it).

They are above the law.

They are the Rapid Action Battalion.

Here is a recount of my interrogation by one member of RAB (with absolutely stunning eyes, I might add: “Yes officer! Anything you say, officer!) while travelling in a CNG last week, during Dhaka’s “red alert” week of security for the SAARC Summit:

RAB Officer: Excuse me, your country?
Me: Australia.
RAB Officer: Australia? Do you have a mother and a father?
Me: Yes.
RAB Officer: How many brothers and sisters do you have?
Me: 2 brothers. I am the only sister.
RAB Officer: Oh! You are very lucky. What are you doing in Bangladesh?
Me: I am working for an NGO.
RAB Officer: Oh. Where do you live?
Me: Chandpur.
RAB Officer: Chandpur? Are you married?
Me: No.
RAB Officer: Are you carrying any bombs or pistols?
Me: No.
RAB Officer: OK. Have a nice day. God be with you.