Human Rights Watch voices concern over Bangladesh’s ‘Operation Devil Hunt’

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised serious concerns about the ongoing ‍‍`Operation Devil Hunt‍‍` in Bangladesh, a joint operation carried out by the country‍‍`s security forces and military. 

The international human rights organization issued a statement on Thursday urging the authorities to remain neutral in their handling of political violence and to ensure that the rule of law is respected.

The HRW report, published on their website, highlights that Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has promised to make significant reforms in the country‍‍`s security sector. 

However, the organization is deeply concerned about the operation, which has already seen nearly 2,000 people arrested.

Meenakshi Ganguly, the Deputy Director for Asia at HRW, explained that Bangladesh has been dealing with severe political polarization due to years of repression. 

She urged the current government to avoid repeating past mistakes and stressed that the government should focus on urgent reforms in both the political system and economic governance, following recommendations from the United Nations.

A recent UN report has accused various law enforcement agencies, including the police, border guards, RAB, and intelligence forces, of committing serious human rights violations during the crackdown on protests against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

In light of growing public anger, Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5, seeking refuge in India.

On February 5, a group destroyed the historic house at 32 Dhanmondi, once the residence of Bangladesh‍‍`s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. At the same time, homes of people connected to the Awami League were set on fire across the country.

Following these incidents, tensions continued to rise, and when a group attempted to attack the house of a former minister in Gazipur, a violent clash broke out with locals, leaving several injured. 

In response, the interim government launched ‍‍`Operation Devil Hunt,‍‍` targeting those connected to the former administration, labeling them as ‍‍`devils.‍‍`

HRW has strongly condemned the ongoing arrests and warned that the interim government must not deny the right of former government supporters to hold meetings, protests, or rallies. 

These are fundamental rights protected under international law.

Meenakshi Ganguly emphasized, "Those responsible for the wrongdoing of the previous government must be held accountable. 

But this must be done through legal means. Mob violence is never the solution."