Joint forces, as part of the ongoing Operation Devil Hunt, detained 343 more people across the country in the 24 hours between Sunday afternoon and yesterday afternoon, said Police Headquarters.

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

On Sunday, 1,308 people were reported detained. The PHQ did not provide any breakdown of the arrests.

Meanwhile, a foreign pistol, two magazines, 11 bullets, and six shotgun cartridges were recovered during Operation Devil Hunt yesterday. Three knives, three swords, one axe, 10 crude bombs, and four machetes were also seized.

The government said this is a police-led operation, with the army and other forces providing assistance.

In another development, Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury yesterday said several committees have been formed to ensure that no innocent person is harassed during the operation.

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Operation to go on until all 'devils' rooted out

"Only those involved in criminal activities will be arrested in Operation Devil Hunt. Even law enforcement officials will not be outside the purview of the operation. It will continue until the country is free from devils," he said while speaking to reporters after a meeting with law enforcement agencies at the Office of Deputy Commissioner, Rajshahi.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the chief adviser yesterday evening, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said there should be no repetition of "previous incidents" during Operation Devil Hunt and that no innocent person should be harassed.

In a statement, Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader yesterday alleged that "ghost cases" are being filed during Operation Devil Hunt.

He claimed that the operation is being used to suppress opposition voices, particularly his party.

"Our party is facing repression. Numerous false cases have been filed against our leaders and activists. Many are being arrested, and they are not even being granted bail."

Quader also alleged that their party's political activities, including meetings, rallies, and processions, are being obstructed.

Earlier, the home adviser said the operation will target those who attempt to destabilise the country, break the law, and engage in criminal activities.

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7, including union chairman, arrested in Hatia during 'Devil Hunt'

ARRESTS

Analysing reports from some districts, The Daily Star found that the arrestees are mostly members of the Awami League and its associate bodies.

Many of them are accused in cases filed after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5.

In Gazipur, at least 100 people, mostly AL leaders including a former MP, were arrested.

The district police arrested 21 people and the Gazipur Metropolitan Police 79 others.

Among the arrestees are Chayan Islam, a former AL lawmaker from Sirajganj-6, who was arrested in Sreepur, and Anwara Sarkar, president of Gazipur Metropolitan Jubo Mahila League, who was held in Uttara.

In Bagerhat, police arrested 27 AL, Jubo League, and Chhatra League leaders and activists, including district AL Joint General Secretary Fakhrul Alam.

"They have been detained from different areas as part of the special operation. The operation will continue," said Touhidul Arif, superintendent of Bagerhat police.

Yesterday, 1,178 people were arrested based on warrants and under different cases across the country, the PHQ said.

After the fall of the Hasina-led regime, mobs looted firearms and bullets from different police stations across the country.

Joint forces, comprising the armed forces, BGB, coast guards, Police, Rab, and Ansar, were deployed on September 4 to recover firearms and maintain law and order.

[Our correspondents in Gazipur, Chattogram, Patuakhali, Rajshahi, and Bagerhat contributed to this report.]