Dhaka: The Cabinet on Monday cleared the draft of a law to abolish the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and establish a new specialised unit, the Special Response Battalion (SRB), under Bangladesh Police, while also approving a shift in the country's fiscal year from July-June to April-March from FY2028-29. The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the draft of the Special Response Battalion (SRB) Act, 2026, was approved in principle and also given final approval subject to vetting by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, as per a Cabinet Division press release. The draft law placed by the Ministry of Home Affairs outlines that the existing RAB will be abolished and the SRB will be established as a specialised unit under Bangladesh Police. The proposed law includes the formation of a multi-stakeholder grievance redress committee to address complaints from citizens and internal grievances of SRB members. It also covers the transfer of RAB-related resources to the SRB. Until new rules are framed, the existing rules governing departmental proceedings concerning RAB will remain in force with necessary adaptations.
The Cabinet has also decided to shift Bangladesh's fiscal year from the existing July-June cycle to April-March starting FY2028-29, with FY2027-28 serving as a nine-month transition period. This change aims to facilitate the completion of infrastructure development activities before the monsoon season, which currently faces delays due to heavy rains. A committee with representatives from various government divisions will determine the next steps, including necessary constitutional amendments and technological adjustments in financial systems.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved a proposal to reduce the tax burden on imports of green chilli and tomato to ensure their affordability in the domestic market. The total tax on these items will be significantly reduced for a specified period, as outlined in a press release from the Cabinet Division. This move is part of policy measures to stabilise essential commodity prices and protect consumers' purchasing power.
The Cabinet also approved the draft National Strategy and Multi-Year Action Plan for a Lead-Free Bangladesh (2026-2035), which aims to reduce lead exposure and protect public health. The strategy focuses on increasing public awareness and strengthening measures to control lead pollution. Targets have been set to significantly reduce blood lead levels in children by 2035.
Meanwhile, a report presented to the Cabinet revealed that 80 out of 108 decisions taken at 17 Cabinet meetings since the present government took office have been implemented, with the rest underway. The Cabinet also commended the Bangladesh national cricket team for their historic victory over Australia, highlighting it as a sign of the country's growing international competitiveness in sports.