Bangladesh is on tenterhooks after the interim government, headed by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, ordered a nationwide security clampdown Saturday following fresh unrest. The unrest broke out after the shooting of Sharif Osmann Hadi, a youth leader of a right-wing cultural group, who was also contesting the February 12 general elections, reported PTI.
Home Affairs adviser Lt Gen (rtd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, at a press briefing announced that the government would launch the second phase of “Operation Devil Hunt” to ensure public safety and curb the rising threat of illegal arms.
The announcement came after the attack Friday, when three assailants shot Sharif Osmann Hadi, chief of Inquilab Mancha, during his election campaign in Bijoynagar, central Dhaka. Hadi was an independent candidate. Doctors have described his condition as critical.
Adviser Chowdhury announced a reward of Taka 50 lakh (USD 40,985.81) for information regarding the arrest of one of the suspects-identified as Faisal Karim Masud-whose photo the police released.
What is Operation Devil Hunt?
Operation Devil Hunt was first launched by the interim government in February this year, after protests erupted over an attack on the private residence of a former minister in the northern suburbs of the capital. The crackdown targeted alleged supporters and “henchmen” of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s now-defunct Awami League.
Inquilab Mancha has been at the forefront of efforts to dissolve the Awami League.
(With inputs from PTI)
