Operation Devil Hunt: Home Secretary confirms it will continue until Law and Order is restored

In an important update from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani confirmed that the ongoing "Operation Devil Hunt" will continue for as long as necessary to control the country‍‍`s law and order situation. 

Gani made this statement during a briefing held on Sunday, February 9, at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

He emphasized that the operation is aimed at identifying and capturing those who are trying to destabilize the country. 

"Through this operation, we are focused on identifying and legally arresting those who are causing unrest in the country," Gani said.

The authorities involved are working together in a coordinated effort to bring stability back to the nation. 

"We are trying to neutralize the attempts to make the country unstable through this operation," he added.

When questioned about the leadership of the operation, Gani clarified that it is primarily a police-led initiative, but the army is providing support to the civil administration. 

"The police, along with the magistrates, have the power to carry out this operation," he said. "This operation will continue as long as it is needed."

Gani explained that the decision to deploy the military across the country came as a result of the current challenges to law and order.

"The police force’s morale has been affected, and there has been significant damage, including the burning of police stations," he explained. "This is why we have deployed the army to maintain order throughout the country."

The Home Secretary also shared that the government is shifting its approach to law enforcement. 

"We cannot continue enforcing the law as we did before. We must work with the true spirit of the law," he noted. 

"We will meet with everyone involved in law enforcement, including police officers, magistrates, and prosecutors, to discuss how we can enforce the law effectively. Human rights and the environment will be top priorities in our discussions."

Looking ahead, Gani revealed that a workshop would be held starting on Tuesday, February 11, with 150 participants from various sectors, including the Home Adviser, Legal Adviser, Environmental Adviser, and the Attorney General, among others. 

"This workshop will focus on law enforcement while also addressing human rights and environmental concerns, given the current changes in the country," he said. 

The event will begin in Dhaka and Gazipur, with plans to extend it across the country.

Regarding the police force, Gani shared that there are ongoing efforts to rebuild it after its morale was severely damaged. 

"In some countries, when there was revolution, the defeated forces were discarded. But our government has not been that harsh," he said. 

"We are working on rebuilding the force, and counseling is being provided to help them regain their confidence."

In response to a question about the communications of former police chief Benazir, Gani confirmed that the government is keeping an eye on the situation. 

"We are actively counseling the police so they can regain their confidence and stand strong," he said. 

He also raised concerns about the effectiveness of individuals who failed to bring about meaningful changes from outside the country.

On the issue of extortion, which has been a significant concern, Gani assured that it is not limited to "Operation Devil Hunt" but is a broader issue that is being addressed through separate measures.

When asked if more high-ranking police officers could face arrest, following the detention of four senior officers on February 8, Gani simply replied, "It is expected."