At least 663 individuals were detained by Bangladesh police in a 24-hour period as part of ‘Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2’, a countrywide initiative aimed at restoring law and order and confiscating illegal firearms. Assistant Inspector-General AHM Shahadat Hossain of Bangladesh Police Headquarters confirmed the arrests and mentioned the recovery of nine firearms during the operation. Additionally, a total of 26,881 motorcycles and 26,573 vehicles were inspected, leading to the seizure of 342 illegal motorcycles.
Last week, over 4,200 individuals were reportedly apprehended nationwide under ‘Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2’. The interim government of Bangladesh initiated the second phase of the operation to curb subversive activities involving illegal arms before the upcoming February 2026 elections. Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced this decision after a core committee meeting on the prevailing law and order situation in Dhaka.
‘Operation Devil Hunt’ was initially launched earlier this year following an attack on students at the residence of former Liberation War Affairs Minister A.K.M. Mozammel Haque. According to reports, a total of 11,313 individuals were arrested in Operation Devil Hunt across Bangladesh from February 8 to February 28, with a significant number being affiliated with the previous Awami League government.
Amidst escalating violence and political vendetta, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has faced criticism. The Awami League accused the Yunus administration of orchestrating a rise in criminal activities, labeling it as a form of “mob terrorism”. The party highlighted a surge in incidents like murder, rape, theft, and robbery since the Yunus government assumed power.
