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Bangladesh has escalated its response to growing unrest by launching a major security operation following violent attacks on student protesters. The operation, which is officially called “Operation Devil Hunt,” was initiated by the interim government after gangs allegedly connected to the ousted regime of ex-leader Sheikh Hasina attacked a group of students, leaving them severely injured.
Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the head of the interior ministry in the interim government that assumed power after Hasina’s ousting in August 2024, emphasized the importance of the operation. “It will continue until we uproot the devils,” Chowdhury said in a statement, referring to the groups connected to Hasina’s regime.
Background: The Uprising Against Sheikh Hasina’s Regime
The security operation follows weeks of escalating protests in Bangladesh. The unrest reached a boiling point on Wednesday, exactly six months after Sheikh Hasina was ousted when protesters stormed her palace in Dhaka, forcing her to flee. The student-led revolution culminated in widespread destruction, with protesters using excavators to demolish buildings linked to Hasina’s family, including the museum and the former home of Bangladesh’s first president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina’s late father.
Protests had been sparked by reports that 77-year-old Hasina, who is in exile in neighboring India, would appear in a Facebook broadcast, despite facing an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity. The public’s fury over Hasina’s past actions during her time in power boiled over into these destructive acts, which the interim government blamed on the former leader.
Operation Devil Hunt: A Move to Restore Order
In response to the violence, the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus has launched “Operation Devil Hunt” to crack down on the groups allegedly responsible for the unrest. Chowdhury, the interior minister, described the operation as an effort to root out those linked to Hasina’s fallen autocratic regime and restore peace and order to the country.
Despite the intensity of the operation, Yunus has urged for calm and stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law. In a public statement, Yunus appealed to the citizens of Bangladesh to show respect for civil and human rights as the nation rebuilds under the new government. “Respecting the rule of law is what differentiates the new Bangladesh we are working together to build from the old Bangladesh under the fascist regime,” Yunus said.
Yunus’s plea for stability comes after months of unrest. His statement highlights the interim government’s determination to establish a more democratic and lawful system, moving away from the authoritarian leadership that marked Hasina’s regime.
Students Against Discrimination Targeted in Gazipur Attacks
While the security operation was unfolding, the students who had spearheaded the protests—members of the group Students Against Discrimination—were violently attacked on Friday in the Gazipur district of Dhaka. This student movement, credited with sparking the revolution against Hasina’s rule, has become one of the most powerful political forces in Bangladesh. Many of its members are now serving in the interim government’s cabinet, amplifying the group’s influence.
The Students Against Discrimination have become vocal advocates for justice, demanding swift action against those responsible for the violent crackdown on their peers. In the wake of the attack, the group reiterated its call for accountability, stating that the government must ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Interim Government’s Challenges and Future Path
The launch of “Operation Devil Hunt” represents a pivotal moment for Bangladesh’s interim government, which has been navigating a complex political landscape since the ousting of Hasina in August 2024. While Yunus and other leaders within the interim government have tried to maintain an image of democracy and stability, the ongoing unrest and military-style operations show the difficulty of balancing justice with public order.
The situation remains volatile as the nation grapples with the consequences of Hasina’s controversial rule. While the government is pushing forward with its new vision for Bangladesh, many questions remain about how the country will recover from the deeply divided political climate.
International Response and the Way Forward
International observers have been closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh, with human rights organizations calling for restraint in the security operation. Concerns have been raised about the potential for further violence, particularly regarding the treatment of students and activists who have led the protests.
The next steps for Bangladesh will involve finding a balance between restoring order and honoring the promises of a democratic and just society. With Operation Devil Hunt in full swing, the world will be watching closely to see whether the interim government can achieve its goals without sacrificing the fundamental rights of its citizens.
