‘Operation Devil Hunt’: 566 more held on fifth day

Some 566 more people were arrested in 24 hours till yesterday afternoon as part of the ongoing "Operation Devil Hunt".

Besides, 1,099 others, accused or wanted in previous cases, were also arrested during the same period, according to the home ministry.

The government launched the operation on Saturday to restore law and order following Friday night's attack on "students and people" in Gazipur.

On Wednesday, 1,686 people were arrested, including 591 as part of the drive.

On Tuesday, 1,775 people were arrested, including 607 as part of the operation. On Monday, 1,521 individuals were arrested, with 343 apprehended as part of the operation. On Sunday, 1,308 arrests were reported, but the PHQ did not provide a breakdown of the arrests.

Analysing recent reports from some districts, this newspaper found that the arrestees are mostly members of the Awami League and its associate bodies. Many are accused in cases filed after the fall of the Hasina-led government on August 5.

Meanwhile, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested 16 people during a "Block Raid" in the capital's Kamrangirchar area from 5:30 pm Wednesday to 2:00 am yesterday for their involvement in various crimes. The arrestees included known drug dealers, snatchers, extortionists, criminals, and thieves.