Rangamati, Feb 10, (V7N) - As part of a nationwide operation to restore law and order amidst rising chaos, the joint forces' "Operation Devil Hunt" has been actively ongoing in Rangamati as well. On Sunday evening, local police apprehended at least three leaders of the ruling Awami League and its affiliate organizations during an operation that started from 9 February afternoon. Among those detained was Haji Monsur Ali, the general secretary of Rangamati Municipal Awami League.
 
According to the Kotwali police, this special operation is part of a broader initiative by the joint forces to ensure law and order across the country. Starting on Sunday afternoon, police and Detective Branch (DB) officers began raids at the homes of Awami League leaders and activists in various parts of Rangamati city. During these operations, police successfully arrested Monsur Ali from his residence. Prior to this, DB officers had conducted a raid at the house of Haji Mohammad Musa Matbbar, the general secretary of Rangamati District Awami League, but he was not found at his residence.
 
In addition to Monsur Ali, Shahjalal Majhi, the president of Rangamati Sadar Upazila's Labor League, and Mowla Mia, the general secretary of the 9th ward Labor League, were also taken into custody. Police confirmed that the ongoing operation is part of the same effort and will continue.
 
Reliable sources indicate that several top leaders of the Rangamati District Awami League have already fled to Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet to avoid the ongoing crackdown. These leaders, from affluent families, have accumulated vast wealth over the past 15 years, leaving grassroots workers behind in difficult situations while they remain in hiding.
 
Sources within the Awami League also reveal that at least five senior leaders are preparing to escape the country soon with the assistance of a CIP (Commercially Important Person), who is reportedly in Bangladesh. It is believed that these leaders will travel via the Middle East and from there, they plan to seek permanent residence in Europe, including London.
 
In another development, a young VIP leader from Rangamati has already used his brother-in-law, a Jamaat-e-Islami leader, to stay in Chittagong. According to sources, the leader is living comfortably in Chittagong, benefitting from his connections, while grassroots members are left facing the consequences of the party's actions.
 
An anonymous Awami League leader expressed frustration, stating, "Our senior leaders who once directed us to take part in movements are now reaping the benefits of corruption, living abroad with their ill-gotten wealth. Meanwhile, we are left behind, facing arrest and public anger. How can we leave when our families will suffer in our absence?"
 
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