In response to recent terrorist attacks by supporters of autocratic Sheikh Hasina in Gazipur, the joint forces have launched a special operation named "Operation Devil Hunt" across the country.
The operation commenced simultaneously nationwide on Saturday (February 8) at 10 PM under the command of the joint forces.
Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a statement declaring that the operation was being conducted to maintain law and order and to bring terrorists under legal accountability.
On Friday night, leaders and activists of the banned Chhatra League, under the pretense of an attack and vandalism at the residence of former Minister for Liberation War Affairs A K M Mozammel Haque, allegedly lured members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement into a planned ambush. Reports suggest that activists from Jubo League and local Awami League also participated in the attack. As a result, at least 20 members of the movement were severely beaten and injured.
Following this incident, a law enforcement coordination meeting was held at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday, where the decision to launch this special operation was made.
Faisal Hossain, Director of the Public Relations Department at the Ministry of Home Affairs, stated that further details regarding "Operation Devil Hunt" would be disclosed in a press briefing on Sunday (February 9).
Planned Attack on Student Activists
Abdullah Al Mahim, the Gazipur District Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, claimed that their activists were deceived into going to Mozammel Haque’s residence in Dhirashram under the false pretense of a robbery taking place there. However, upon arrival, members of Chhatra League, Jubo League, and Awami League launched a violent attack after announcing their intentions over loudspeakers, leaving at least 20 activists seriously injured.
Weapons Seized and Unaccounted for
Meanwhile, Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan stated that the weapons looted from the police have yet to be recovered and are allegedly being used against civilians. As a result, the joint forces will intensify efforts to retrieve these weapons.
He added that although most licensed weapons have been handed over to the police, a significant portion of the looted firearms remains missing. Intelligence reports indicate that defeated fascist forces are attempting to smuggle weapons into the country to create instability, prompting the government to relaunch the joint forces' operation.
Asif Mahmud also warned that if any defeated forces pose a threat to the people, strict actions would be taken against them, as per direct orders from the highest levels of government.
Police Response and Accountability
On the other hand, in light of negligence in handling the attack, Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan announced the withdrawal of the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gazipur Sadar Police Station.
Apologizing for the police's failure to respond in time, Nazmul Karim Khan stated:
"I acknowledge our failure and apologize on behalf of the police force. No attacker will be spared—every assault will be answered. Disciplinary actions will be taken against every officer who failed to respond swiftly."
He further added:
"I have heard that my OC responded two hours late to your calls. He will be suspended. Let me be clear—anyone who collaborates with fascism will not be allowed to remain in the police force."
