Bangladesh’s security forces have arrested 1,308 people under Operation Devil Hunt, an overnight crackdown launched amid widespread unrest. The operation was ordered by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus after violent clashes injured student activists near the residence of an Awami League leader in Gazipur, on the outskirts of Dhaka.

Mass Arrests Across Bangladesh

According to major media reports:

Related News
  • 274 individuals were arrested in metropolitan cities.
  • 81 activists of the deposed Awami League were detained in Gazipur.
  • Law enforcement, including army troops, police, and specialized units, is involved in the operation.

Why Was Operation Devil Hunt Launched?

Authorities claim the crackdown is targeting groups attempting to destabilize the country. According to Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the operation will continue until all those responsible for violence are arrested.

The recent violence erupted on Friday night, when 14 individuals were injured in Gazipur’s Dakshinkhan area while attacking the residence of former Liberation War Affairs Minister Mozammel Haque.

Sheikh Hasina’s Exile and Rising Political Tensions

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, 77, fled to India after her government was toppled on August 5, 2024, following a student-led mass uprising. Many of her senior Awami League colleagues have either been arrested or gone into hiding. Hasina faces multiple charges, including crimes against humanity for her crackdown on July protests.

Protests and Political Reactions

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement claims its activists were attacked while preventing looting. In response, they held a day-long protest in Gazipur, where a student was later shot outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

Meanwhile, the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by Khaleda Zia, has urged the government to curb mob violence and restore law and order. The BNP has announced a nationwide rally series starting February 11, demanding an electoral roadmap.

Government’s Response and Future Actions

A command center has been established to coordinate the crackdown and improve response times. Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury confirmed that those responsible for recent student attacks would face maximum punishment.

As tensions rise, Bangladesh’s interim government remains firm in its pledge to restore stability, with Operation Devil Hunt continuing indefinitely.