In a large-scale crackdown to curb a new surge of violence in Bangladesh, security forces launched a nationwide joint operation called 'Operation Devil Hunt,' arresting over 1,300 people. The operation targeted those involved in attacks on properties linked to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's family and leaders of the Awami League party.

Chief adviser Muhammad Yunus’s interim government projected the operation when, in violent clashes on the outskirts of Dhaka, student activists were wounded during an attack on the Gazipur home of an Awami League leader. The violence later flared in other parts of the nation, with crowds targeting the Awami League symbol.

A joint operation involving army troops, police, and specialised units has so far led to the arrest of 1,308 individuals linked to the recent wave of violence and unrest that has gripped the country over the past four days. As the interim government completes six months in power, it has pledged to eliminate “all devils” attempting to destabilise the nation.

Sheikh Hasina was removed from her position as Prime Minister in August 2024 at the height of violent protests that initially started as a student-led movement against the quota system. Following her ouster, the Yunus-led interim government took control. Still, clashes continued between Hasina’s Awami League members and supporters of the new administration, primarily consisting of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) members and allied groups.

On Wednesday, thousands of protesters set fire to the home of Bangladesh’s founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman or Bongo Bondhu. This historic residence, from which Rahman led the country’s autonomy movement and declared independence from Pakistan in 1971, holds immense symbolic significance.

“The operation will target those who are desperate to destabilise the country... it will continue until all devils are rooted out," Retired Lt Gen Jahangir Alam Chowdhury of Home Affairs Adviser expressed.

Sheikh Hasina, along with several top officials from her former government, are slapped with multiple charges, such as crimes against humanity. Her harsh crackdown on the July mass uprising ultimately led to her removal from power on August 5, 2024. Since then, the 77-year-old former Prime Minister has been residing in India.

While there are accusations that security forces are specifically targeting Hasina’s supporters, Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser, Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, asserted that the crackdown is only aimed at those attempting to destabilise the country. "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," he stated.

The Chief Adviser’s office announced that a command centre has been set up and is now operational to monitor and oversee the execution of Operation Devil Hunt.

In a statement on Friday, Chief Adviser Yunus urged for “complete law and order” and demanded an end to attacks on the properties of the deposed premier’s family and leaders of her "fascist" Awami League.

The BNP, led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, called on the interim government to take action against "mob culture" and restore law and order, cautioning that inaction could result in the return of "fascist" forces. The party also announced a series of nationwide rallies beginning on February 11, urging authorities to implement effective measures to address the worsening law and order situation and to outline a clear electoral roadmap.