Bangladesh Cracks Down on Ex-Regime Loyalists Operation Devil Hunt

Bangladesh Cracks Down on Ex-Regime Loyalists Operation Devil Hunt

As the dust settles on the August 2024 student-led revolution that toppled Sheikh Hasina's regime in Bangladesh, the interim government has launched a comprehensive security operation to quell unrest and root out loyalists of the ousted leader. Dubbed Operation Devil Hunt, this sweeping crackdown comes after days of protests and violence sparked by reports of Hasina's planned Facebook broadcast from exile.

A History of Tension

The August revolution was marked by widespread protests, with crowds storming Hasina's palace in Dhaka six months prior. The unrest was triggered by reports that the 77-year-old leader would appear on a Facebook broadcast from exile in neighboring India, sparking fears of her return to power. Buildings connected to Hasina's family were destroyed using excavators, including the museum and former home of her late father, Bangladesh's first president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

In Response The Interim Government Takes Action

Following the violence, the interim government has blamed Hasina for the unrest and launched Operation Devil Hunt to uproot alleged loyalists. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, head of the interior ministry, has vowed to continue the operation until all perceived threats are brought to justice.

A Call for Calm Muhammad Yunus' Plea

Meanwhile, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, interim leader of Bangladesh, has pleaded for calm and respect for the rule of law. In a statement, he emphasized the importance of upholding principles that differentiate the new Bangladesh from its autocratic past.

The Student-Led Revolution A Force for Change

The student-led revolution that brought down Hasina's regime was marked by peaceful protests and activism. The Students Against Discrimination (SAD) group played a key role in sparking the uprising, with members demanding action against alleged loyalists of the ousted leader. Hours after Yunus' call for calm, SAD members were attacked in the Dhaka district of Gazipur, prompting renewed demands for justice.

Conclusion

As Bangladesh navigates this tumultuous period, it is essential to recognize the critical role that students and civil society have played in shaping the country's future. The interim government's efforts to root out loyalists and promote respect for the rule of law are crucial steps towards building a more just and equitable society. By reflecting on the lessons learned from this challenging period, Bangladesh can emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.

Keywords Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, student-led revolution, Operation Devil Hunt, interim government, Muhammad Yunus, Students Against Discrimination

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.