In response to escalating violence following a student-led protest, the government of Bangladesh launched a major security operation on Saturday, titled “Operation Devil Hunt,” aimed at restoring order and apprehending those responsible for a violent attack on the residence of a former minister in Gazipur. The unrest is part of a broader pattern of violence that has swept across the country since a live address by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina triggered a wave of protests and attacks. This article explores the details of the operation, the events leading up to it, and the ongoing developments in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Background of the Incident
On Friday, violence erupted at the home of AKM Mozammel Haque, the former minister for Liberation War Affairs, located in the Gazipur area on the outskirts of Dhaka. Activists from a student group, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, were reportedly attacked by a mob while they were attempting to prevent looting. According to the student group, they had received information that the house was being plundered and arrived at the scene to stop the crime. However, they were met with aggression from Awami League supporters and locals, resulting in several injuries among the students.
While the student activists claim that the police failed to intervene in a timely manner, the local police in Gazipur contend that security forces responded swiftly. Officers reportedly rescued the students, and 15 of them were taken to a nearby hospital. Some of the injured were later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital due to the severity of their wounds. Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the Home Affairs Adviser, visited the hospital and assured the public that efforts would be made to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Operation ‘Devil Hunt’ Launched
In response to the attack, Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, initiated “Operation Devil Hunt” to quell the unrest. The operation called for the deployment of army troops to Gazipur and surrounding areas. The Home Ministry announced that this operation would be extended nationwide to ensure the safety of citizens and to prevent further outbreaks of violence. The government has pledged to release further details about the coordinated effort, which involves both army and law enforcement agencies, in the coming days.
Widespread Protests and Attacks
The violence surrounding the attack on Haque’s residence is part of a larger wave of unrest that has plagued the nation since a live broadcast by Sheikh Hasina earlier in the week. The protests have been led by various student organizations and political groups, including those aligned with the deposed government of Hasina. These groups have accused the current interim government and its military advisers of orchestrating attacks on political opponents, with a series of violent incidents spreading across 35 districts in the country.
Reports indicate that approximately 70 attacks have taken place since Wednesday, including the vandalism of the 32 Dhanmondi residence, a significant historical site where Bangladesh’s founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, declared the country’s independence from Pakistan in 1971. Protesters set fire to the house, which is also the ancestral home of Sheikh Hasina and her sister, Sheikh Rehana.
Police were reported to have stood by during the attack, while soldiers were deployed to the scene but reportedly retreated after being booed by protesters. These incidents have raised concerns about the role of law enforcement in controlling the situation.
Student Movements and Political Ramifications
The current wave of protests is closely linked to the student-led uprising that led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in August of the previous year. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, which played a central role in these protests, continues to demand accountability for what it describes as state-sponsored violence during the crackdown on their protests. The group’s leaders are calling for the cancellation of the Awami League’s registration as a political party and the trial of Hasina and her associates for their role in the alleged abuses during the last regime.
Meanwhile, the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, another group associated with the protests, is believed to be preparing to form a new political party, further complicating the political landscape. This committee, along with the student movement, has expressed dissatisfaction with the current government, which they accuse of suppressing dissent and promoting “fascist” policies.
Responses from Political Leaders
In the wake of the violence, political leaders across the spectrum have weighed in. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, has called for the government to take stronger action against the “mob culture” that is driving the violence. The BNP has also warned that failure to restore law and order could lead to the reemergence of authoritarian elements within the political system. Senior BNP leaders have raised concerns that the ongoing unrest could be part of a “broader conspiracy” aimed at delaying the next national elections or influencing the outcome of the political process.
The interim government, led by Professor Yunus, has expressed its commitment to maintaining law and order and curbing further acts of violence. In a public statement, Yunus condemned the attacks on the properties of Sheikh Hasina and other political figures linked to the Awami League. He stressed the importance of ensuring peace and stability as Bangladesh approaches its next round of elections.
The Future of Bangladesh’s Political Landscape
The ongoing violence and protests underscore the deep divisions in Bangladesh’s political environment. As the nation moves forward, there are growing concerns about the potential for further unrest, especially given the accusations of government overreach and suppression of opposition groups. With Operation Devil Hunt underway, the question remains whether the interim government will be able to effectively restore stability or if the situation will continue to escalate.
As the country prepares for its next national elections, the political climate remains tense, and the outcome of these protests may have far-reaching consequences for Bangladesh’s future. The need for dialogue and reconciliation between political factions has never been more critical to ensure a peaceful transition to the next government.
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s security operation, “Operation Devil Hunt,” has been launched in response to the violent attack on a former minister’s residence and the broader wave of unrest that has swept across the country. While the government works to stabilize the situation, it faces growing pressure from opposition groups and political movements calling for change. The coming days will likely determine whether the government can regain control and restore order, or if the unrest will continue to shape the future political landscape of the country.
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