Bangladesh’s security forces have apprehended 1,308 individuals under “Operation Devil Hunt,” launched overnight to address widespread unrest that has gripped the nation for the past four days.
The interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to continue the crackdown until “all devils” are eradicated.
The decision to initiate the operation came on Saturday after student activists were injured during an attack at the residence of an Awami League leader in Gazipur, on the outskirts of Dhaka.
The joint operation, involving army troops, police, and specialised units, has so far arrested 274 individuals in metropolitan areas and hundreds more across the country, according to reports from major media outlets, including the Daily Star.
“The operation will target those who are desperate to destabilise the country… it will continue until all devils are rooted out,” said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.
Mainstream media reports indicate that 81 activists of the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League have been arrested in Gazipur, where violence erupted, prompting the government to launch the crackdown.
On Friday night, at least 14 individuals belonging to mobs intent on destroying symbols of the former Awami League government were injured during clashes in Gazipur city’s Dakshinkhan area.
The violence included an attack on the residence of former Liberation War Affairs Minister Mozammel Haque, who is among several senior Awami League leaders currently in hiding or living abroad since Hasina’s government was toppled in August 2024 following a mass student-led uprising.
Hasina, now 77, fled to India after her government’s fall and faces multiple charges, including alleged crimes against humanity for a brutal crackdown on the July 2024 protests.
Also read: Bangladesh: 40 held after violence, vandalism at Hasina's house
Home Affairs Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury emphasised that Operation Devil Hunt is targeting elements seeking to destabilise the nation. “What does ‘devil’ mean? It refers to evil forces.
This operation is aimed at those who try to destabilise the country, break the law, engage in criminal activities, and commit acts of terrorism,” Jahangir said.
He further assured that those responsible for recent attacks on students in Gazipur would be brought to justice. “Many of those responsible have already been arrested.
Those who haven’t will be caught soon, and we will ensure they receive the maximum punishment,” he added.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced the establishment of a command centre to intensively monitor the law and order situation.
“The Operation Devil Hunt began yesterday… to coordinate the works of law enforcing agencies, the command centre is going to start its works from 6 pm today,” Alam stated.
He further noted that the centre would house members of law enforcement agencies and armed forces representatives to enable a swift response to any emerging threats.
Leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement claimed their activists were merely attempting to prevent looting at the ex-minister’s house but were attacked by miscreants.
Following a day-long protest and rally in Gazipur, a student was injured in a shooting near the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
The unrest began on Wednesday night after a live online address by Hasina, which sparked widespread violence.
Mobs targeted her supporters, vandalising homes and businesses in Dhaka and other cities.
Protesters also set fire to the historic 32 Dhanmondi residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh, who proclaimed the country’s independence from that very house in 1971.
Chief Adviser Yunus has called for “complete law and order” and urged an end to attacks on the properties of Hasina’s family and Awami League leaders.
“We need to ensure peace and prevent any further destruction,” Yunus said in a statement on Friday.
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has urged the interim government to curb “mob culture” and restore order, warning that failure to do so could lead to the re-emergence of “fascist” forces.
The BNP has announced a series of nationwide rallies beginning 11 February, demanding effective measures to improve law and order and push for a clear electoral roadmap.
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