Operation Devil Hunt: The Battle Against the Allies of Authoritarianism in Bangladesh.
Will Operation Devil Hunt be the key to eliminating the allies of authoritarianism in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh, a country that has long struggled with political instability, is currently facing a grave crisis. The crisis is not just a result of economic difficulties or natural calamities, but rather, it is rooted in political machinations orchestrated by powerful figures within the ruling party. These figures, alleged to be loyalists of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian regime, have been accused of conspiring to spark a civil war and destabilize the country. In response to these growing threats, the Bangladeshi government has launched Operation Devil Hunt, a nationwide coordinated effort aimed at dismantling these forces and restoring law and order.
Background to the Operation
The genesis of Operation Devil Hunt can be traced to the increasing disturbances orchestrated by groups allegedly affiliated with the Awami League (AL), the ruling political party. Despite the government’s claims of promoting democracy and stability, there are growing concerns that Sheikh Hasina’s administration is using underhanded methods to suppress opposition and manipulate the political landscape for its own advantage. This has led to a volatile atmosphere in which provocations from Hasina’s supporters have become commonplace.
At the heart of the unrest is the involvement of Sheikh Hasina herself, who has been accused of making provocative statements from abroad. While residing in India, she has allegedly been issuing speeches that incite violence and division. Reports suggest that her remarks encourage her loyalists to escalate tensions, urging them to take extreme actions against political opponents and even ordinary citizens. The nature of her rhetoric reportedly includes calls for violence, such as openly discussing the killing of opposition figures and advocating for attacks on the homes of ordinary people who oppose her regime.
One of the key incidents that led to Operation Devil Hunt was the destruction of a symbolic site—32 Dhanmondi—by student activists and common people in response to Hasina’s alleged instigations. This act of rebellion triggered widespread protests across the country, leading to an escalation of violence. Many view this as part of a larger plan by Hasina and her allies to create a chaotic, war-like environment that would benefit the ruling party. In particular, the strategy involved undermining the credibility of the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate and economic figure, and ultimately creating a situation that could lead to civil war.
The ‘Devil Hunt’ Operation: An Immediate Response
In the face of these growing disturbances, the Bangladesh government, under the guidance of Dr. Yunus and the interim leadership, initiated Operation Devil Hunt. The operation is a coordinated effort between various branches of Bangladesh’s law enforcement, including the Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police, and the Detective Branch (DB). Together, they are working to quell the unrest, arrest those responsible for inciting violence, and restore law and order across the nation.
The primary objective of Operation Devil Hunt is to neutralize terrorist groups and individuals associated with the ruling Awami League who have been accused of participating in or facilitating the violent acts. The operation is designed to counter these forces, restore peace, and ensure that those attempting to destabilize the country through violence and division are brought to justice.
Intelligence agencies have played a crucial role in identifying and tracking down key figures involved in the violence. Using cutting-edge technology and surveillance tools, the agencies have been able to pinpoint the locations of terrorists, leaders of opposition groups, and those directly connected to Hasina’s regime. As a result, a number of high-profile arrests have been made, with nearly 2,000 individuals taken into custody in just the first few weeks of the operation. These arrests have included both political figures and individuals believed to have played a significant role in instigating violence or acting as puppets for the authoritarian regime.
Triggering Event: Attack on Student Activists
The launch of Operation Devil Hunt was primarily triggered by an attack on student activists in Gazipur. On a fateful Friday night, a group of students was reportedly attacked at the residence of AKM Mozammel Haque, a well-known member of Hasina’s government. This attack is believed to have been a direct attempt to suppress growing dissent among students and activists who were protesting Hasina’s authoritarian measures. In response to this act of violence, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced the beginning of Operation Devil Hunt on the very same night. By the following Saturday, security forces launched an extensive crackdown across multiple districts.
The Social Media Reaction: Support for the Interim Government
As Operation Devil Hunt unfolds, it has received widespread praise from citizens, particularly from those supportive of Dr. Yunus and the interim government. Social media platforms such as Facebook have become buzzing hubs of support, with many praising the leadership of Dr. Yunus for quickly understanding the situation and taking decisive action. One notable post by a Facebook user, Shila Akter, has gained significant traction. In her post, Akter wrote, “Dr. Yunus, understanding the conspiracy behind Hasina’s rule, has initiated Operation Devil Hunt. This is something only a Nobel laureate could do. The students and the common people have now realized the true nature of Hasina’s plot. When she failed to make any significant changes within the country, she resorted to these plots from abroad. This will not work. Hasina must surrender and ask for forgiveness from the people for her authoritarianism.”
Such sentiments reflect the frustration of a significant portion of the population with Hasina’s leadership and her alleged role in fomenting division. Many citizens, especially the youth, feel that Operation Devil Hunt is an important step in restoring the rule of law and putting an end to the destabilizing forces that have been allowed to flourish under her regime.
The Success of the Operation: Restoring Order and Accountability
So far, Operation Devil Hunt has been hailed as a success in some quarters, particularly for its ability to restore a semblance of order in regions that were previously on the brink of chaos. Security forces have reported that they have managed to arrest key individuals involved in the violence and suppressed several cells of radical groups loyal to the Awami League.
However, while the operation has been praised, it also faces significant challenges. Critics have raised concerns about the long-term impact of such a large-scale military operation on the country’s civil liberties and democratic processes. There are fears that, while targeting authoritarian elements, the operation could inadvertently harm innocent individuals and further entrench the current political divisions.
A Turning Point for Bangladesh
Operation Devil Hunt represents a crucial turning point in the political trajectory of Bangladesh. Whether it will succeed in eliminating the forces that have been accused of conspiring to destabilize the country remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the operation has highlighted the deep divisions within the nation and the extent to which political loyalty and authoritarianism have taken root.
The success of the operation may depend not only on the military’s ability to dismantle these groups but also on the political leadership’s commitment to promoting transparency, democracy, and peace in the post-operation phase. The outcome will determine whether Bangladesh can emerge from this period of turmoil with a renewed commitment to justice, accountability, and national unity. Only time will tell whether Operation Devil Hunt will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Bangladesh, or whether the cycle of political unrest will continue.
