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Bangladesh
RAB to get image makeover
2013-02-25
No! In the name of sweet crossfires don't let this happen!
Bangladesh's antiterrorist Rapid Action Battalion is one of the world's most notorious 'death squads', accused by human rights groups of more than 2000 extrajudicial killings.

Its elite troops, in their black bandannas, wrap around shades, and well-oiled AK47s strike fear wherever they go.
Especially at 3 am...
But they are now set to get an image makeover with training to help them improve their dealing with "human issues" and a "complaints bureau" to appease their critics.

Human rights groups say they are sceptical over whether many Bangladeshis would be brave enough to complain to the force about their actions. Last month Bangladesh's own Human Rights Commission demanded to know whether it had been involved in around 40 disappearances, including activists of the opposition Bangladesh National Party.
Anyone check the banana groves?
"It will be hard for ordinary Bangladeshis to feel confident enough to make complaints against them unless the government makes a commitment that they will be protected," said Meenakshi Ganguly of Human Rights Watch.

The Battalion has in the past received military training from Britain and the United States, but they and other countries are believed to have made a rapid improvement in the force's human rights record and accountability a condition of further aid.
Posted by:Steve White

#7  ...and a "complaints bureau" to appease their critics.

Just don't give them your address. That would be unwise, as your house would then become the HQ of the local chapter of the Purba Bangla Communist Party...
Posted by: tu3031   2013-02-25 19:14  

#6  "Can we get the Major to smile?"
"I wouldn't care to try it."
Posted by: Muggsy Mussolini1226   2013-02-25 17:50  

#5  We luv 'em in my upazila.
Posted by: Chetle Munster4377   2013-02-25 15:36  

#4  Oh noes! Weepy hand-wringing from the Human Rights crowd. While it's a fine line between "death squads" and the Texas Rangers, I'd bet money the Bangla locals are happy when the hard boys are removed from circulation.
Posted by: SteveS   2013-02-25 13:26  

#3  "You don't pay me to talk purty."
Posted by: Muggsy Mussolini1226   2013-02-25 10:22  

#2  sporting new Hello Kitty™ vests?
Posted by: Frank G   2013-02-25 09:38  

#1  Relax, Doc, it's just window dressing. The shuttergun is available at the check-out window...
Posted by: Spot   2013-02-25 07:56  

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