Under the government-led initiative ‘Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2’, the joint security forces have arrested 18,007 individuals across Bangladesh in the past month. The operation, aimed at controlling law and order, cracking down on illegal arms, and targeting extremist groups, also resulted in the seizure of a large cache of weapons and explosives.
Authorities reported that during the operation, the forces recovered 284 firearms, 1,844 rounds of ammunition, 577 improvised weapons, three grenades, 95 Molotov cocktails, nearly 20 kilograms of gunpowder, 27 kilograms of chemical powder, and various materials used to manufacture explosives and incendiary devices.
The operation was launched on 13 December last year following the shooting of Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, a prospective parliamentary candidate and convener of the Inquilab Mancha, in Dhaka. The government initiated the operation to strengthen law enforcement, prevent disruption of the upcoming national parliamentary elections, and suppress extremist and violent activities.
According to police headquarters, in addition to the arrests, 27,607 individuals were apprehended under various cases and warrants. Over the course of the operation, 7,194 search checkpoints were established nationwide, with inspections conducted on 989,572 vehicles and 13,826 motorcycles, resulting in further legal action.
Additional Inspector General of Police (Crime and Operations), Khondokar Rafiqul Islam, told reporters, “The operation focuses on recovering illegal arms, maintaining law and order, and neutralising those involved in extremist and disruptive activities ahead of the national elections.” Police spokesperson A H M Shahadat Hossain added that the operation will continue until further instructions are issued.
Seized Items Overview
| Item Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Firearms | 284 |
| Ammunition | 1,844 |
| Improvised weapons | 577 |
| Grenades | 3 |
| Molotov cocktails | 95 |
| Gunpowder | ~20 kg |
| Chemical powder | 27 kg |
| Explosive-making materials | Various |
Operation Devil Hunt was originally launched on 8 February last year, following violent attacks on students and citizens in Gazipur, including an assault at the residence of former Liberation War Affairs Minister A K M Mozammel, where 15–16 students were injured. Subsequent public protests and demands for accountability led the government to coordinate a nationwide security operation, which has now evolved into the intensified Phase-2.
The initiative has been lauded for proactively curbing illegal arms circulation and extremist activity while also attracting scrutiny over its timing and scope in the lead-up to national elections.