DHAKA, Dec 24: Bangladesh police arrested at least 663 people nationwide within 24 hours under Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2, a countrywide crackdown aimed at restoring law and order and recovering illegal firearms, according to local media.
Police also recovered nine firearms during the operation, confirmed Assistant Inspector-General AHM Shahadat Hossain. Authorities searched over 26,800 motorcycles and 26,500 vehicles, seizing 342 illegal motorcycles.
The second phase of the operation, launched on December 13 by the interim government, follows earlier arrests of more than 4,200 people last week and is intended to curb subversive activities involving illegal arms ahead of the February 2026 elections.
The decision came after a high-level meeting on law and order, held a day after a gun attack on a political spokesperson in Dhaka.
Human rights groups report that over 11,000 people were arrested during earlier phases, with many linked to the Awami League.
The party has accused the interim Yunus government of political vendetta and fostering rising violence.
Adviser: Bangladesh govt will take care of slain Hindu worker’s family
Bangladesh’s interim government has said it will take full responsibility for the family of a Hindu garment worker who was lynched last week over alleged blasphemy.
Education Adviser C R Abrar met the family of 25-year-old Dipu Das, who was killed by a mob and set on fire on December 18 in Mymensingh, calling the act a “brutal crime with no excuse.”
Abrar said Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus conveyed the government’s deep sorrow and condolences, and assured support for Das’ wife, child and parents. Yunus’s office confirmed that financial and welfare assistance would be provided and that authorities would remain in close contact with the family.
So far, 12 people have been arrested in connection with the killing. The government reiterated that violence cannot be justified by allegations or beliefs and stressed its commitment to the rule of law. Das’ killing triggered protests across Bangladesh, while India also voiced concern.
US voices concern over complete ban of Awami League
A group of US lawmakers has raised concerns over Bangladesh’s interim government banning all activities of the Awami League ahead of elections scheduled for early next year.
In a letter to Chief Adviser Mohammed Yunus, members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee urged the government to ensure inclusive, free and fair elections that allow participation across the political spectrum.
They warned that suspending political parties and reviving the “flawed” International Crimes Tribunal could undermine democratic principles, freedom of association and due process.
The lawmakers also cited past assessments by the US State Department and international observers that Bangladesh’s 2018 and 2024 elections were not free or fair, and referred to UN estimates that security forces killed about 1,400 people during last year’s protests.
The Awami League was banned under a revised anti-terrorism law following the August 2024 uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina. The lawmakers expressed hope the ban would be reconsidered so voters can freely choose their government. (Agencies)
