Dhaka: The interim government of Bangladesh has launched Operation Devil Hunt to track down those responsible for vandalizing the home of an Awami League leader and attacking party workers on the outskirts of Dhaka. This action follows a 24-hour ultimatum issued earlier.
Leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement claim their activists went to the former minister’s residence to prevent looting but were attacked by miscreants instead.
Interim government chief advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus ordered the operation and called in the army as protests by student organizations continued in Gazipur, where their members were attacked on Friday. The Home Ministry announced that the operation began in Gazipur and will expand nationwide to ensure public safety. A detailed briefing on the security operation, supported by the army and law enforcement agencies, is scheduled for Sunday.
Crackdown on Vandalism and Arson
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning leader of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, has pledged to curb the rising incidents of vandalism and arson across the country. Since Wednesday night, mobs have targeted homes and businesses of Sheikh Hasina’s supporters, setting fire to properties belonging to former MPs, cabinet members, and Awami League leaders.
The interim government accused Sheikh Hasina of inciting unrest in Bangladesh through provocative remarks. The attacks reportedly began one hour before Hasina addressed her supporters from India.