Joint forces' 'Devil Hunt' intensifies on day three, surpassing 600 arrests

‘Operation Devil Hunt’ Intensifies, 607 Arrested on Third Day

The joint forces arrested 607 individuals nationwide on the third day of ‘Operation Devil Hunt’, bringing the total number of arrests to 2,258 as of Tuesday afternoon, according to sources at police headquarters.

Of those arrested, 1,168 were detained in connection with various existing cases, the sources added.

During the third day of operations, law enforcement also seized weapons and ammunition, including two pistols, one LG, one shutter gun, one pipe gun, two magazines, two bullets, five cartridges, thirteen knives, two machetes, six sharp weapons, two axes, one saw, three hammers, two pliers, two sticks, and two wood-cutting machines.

Earlier, the joint forces had apprehended 1,651 people during the first two days of the operation.

The government launched the nationwide security crackdown on Saturday night, officially aiming to curb unrest and ensure public safety. However, the timing and context suggest a particular focus on supporters and activists of the Awami League (AL) and its banned student wing, the Chhatra League.

The operation was initiated following Friday night’s attack in Gazipur, a stronghold of the Awami League. The incident saw a group of students ambushed while allegedly attacking the residence of veteran AL leader and former Liberation War Affairs Minister, MP Mozammel Huq. The ambush, reportedly orchestrated by cadres loyal to Huq and ex-mayor Zahangir Alom, left more than a dozen student activists injured, some of whom had to be rushed to DMCH for treatment after suffering deep knife wounds.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated on Sunday that ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ would continue until all ‘devils’ are eradicated.