Dhaka, Feb 10, (V7N) - In the first 24 hours of "Operation Devil Hunt," the police have arrested 1,308 individuals across the country. Among them, 274 people were arrested from metropolitan areas, and 1,034 were from other regions. In Gazipur, 81 individuals were taken into custody. The arrests included members of the Awami League and the banned Chhatra League.
 
The operation, aimed at maintaining law and order and curbing chaos, is part of a larger nationwide initiative. Police began a crackdown on Awami League members' homes across different areas of Rangamati on Sunday afternoon. Haji Monzur Ali, the General Secretary of the Rangamati Municipal Awami League, was arrested, although other leaders managed to avoid capture.
 
The crackdown came after the attack on the house of former Minister for Liberation War Affairs, AKM Mozammel Haque, in Gazipur. Authorities launched "Operation Devil Hunt" in response to this incident, targeting individuals seeking to destabilize the country.
 
Interior Ministry Advisor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated at a recent event that the operation is aimed at those trying to cause unrest. He emphasized that the operation will continue until its objectives are achieved, and the "devils" are caught.
 
The government’s rationale for the operation was explained by senior secretary Nasimul Gani, who noted that the operation was necessary due to increasing instability and efforts to incite violence. He said the authorities were now focused on preventing any further attempts to destabilize the country.
 
As part of this operation, many top leaders are reportedly fleeing to Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet, fearing the crackdown. Authorities also revealed that some individuals had already arranged travel plans to escape abroad.
 
Authorities are also intensifying efforts to ensure that individuals involved in violence, such as former MPs and local leaders, do not evade justice. The operation continues, with authorities committed to maintaining peace and stability across the country.
 
In the latest developments, arrests have been made in various regions, including Gazipur, Habiganj, Shyamnagar, and Rangamati. The authorities continue their work to apprehend those involved in violence and other illicit activities. Among the arrested individuals are members of the Awami League, the student wing, and other local figures.
 
The nationwide operation continues with further arrests expected in the coming days.
 
END/AJ/SMA/