Cabinet Approves Draft Armed Police Battalion Act to Expand Investigative Powers and Operational Scope
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The Cabinet on Monday approved the draft Armed Police Battalion Act, 2026, a legislative move designed to significantly expand the operational jurisdiction and mandate of the specialized police unit. Prime Minister Tareq Rahman presided over the meeting at the Secretariat, where the proposal was cleared to modernize the existing ordinance and transform it into a formal parliamentary statute.
Under the provisions of the proposed law, the Armed Police Battalion will function under the direct control and supervision of an Additional Inspector General of Police. The legislation aims to formalize the unit’s role in safeguarding national security, providing protection to high-profile figures, and securing government-designated installations. Furthermore, the act empowers the battalion to conduct operations against criminal activities, including terrorism, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, rape, and crimes against humanity, while providing operational support to other law enforcement agencies.
The draft legislation includes provisions that grant battalion members the authority to conduct criminal investigations and execute enforcement operations, subject to the Code of Criminal Procedure and other prevailing laws. Additionally, the act proposes the establishment of special courts and summary courts to streamline judicial proceedings related to the unit’s enforcement actions.
According to a press statement released by the Cabinet Division, the draft has received final approval pending vetting by the Ministry of Law. The Cabinet session was attended by newly appointed members of the government. Once passed by the National Parliament, the law will replace the existing ordinance, with officials noting that the update is intended to make the battalion more responsive to contemporary public safety requirements.
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