Summary:
- Security forces arrested 81 Awami League leaders/activists in Gazipur under Operation Devil Hunt, launched after AL-linked violence injured 15 during student protests.
- Crackdown follows a 24-hour ultimatum by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement demanding accountability for the 7 February attack on demonstrators.
- Nationwide raids involved joint forces (Army/RAB), with 40+ arrests in Gazipur District Police jurisdictions and 7 in Noakhali, though some regions reported minimal activity.
- Protesters demand AL’s deregistration, trials for senior leaders, and asset seizures from officials amid escalating political tensions ahead of elections.
Gazipur police have detained 81 leaders and activists of the ruling Awami League (AL) and its affiliated organizations as part of the government’s newly launched Operation Devil Hunt. The arrests follow violent clashes between AL members and student protesters in Dhirashram Dakshin on 7 February, which left 15 injured.
Key Developments
- Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) arrested 41 individuals tied to Friday’s attack on students. Among them, 16 were detained immediately after the incident, while 25 others were held during overnight raids.
- Gazipur District Police separately apprehended 40 AL-affiliated leaders, including union parishad representatives, across five police stations.
- Joint forces, including the Bangladesh Army and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), conducted parallel raids, though operational details remain undisclosed.
Context of the Crackdown
The interim government initiated Operation Devil Hunt on 8 February after the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding accountability for the Gazipur violence. Protesters have called for the cancellation of AL’s political registration, trials for senior leaders, and asset seizures from corrupt officials.
The clashes erupted when demonstrators attempted to vandalize the home of former minister Mozammel Haque, prompting mosque loudspeakers to falsely announce a robbery. Law enforcement and military personnel intervened to restore order.
Broader Impact
While operations in Noakhali’s Hatia Upazila led to seven AL arrests, including a union parishad chairman, other regions like Rajshahi reported only routine police activity. Authorities emphasize the crackdown targets individuals linked to political violence, though identities of detainees remain unconfirmed.
The government has deployed joint forces nationwide to address escalating tensions, signaling stricter measures against political unrest ahead of upcoming elections.
