‘Operation Devil Hunt-2’ soon, MP candidates to get gun licence

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has announced the imminent launch of ‘Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2’ to secure a peaceful environment for the national elections, bolster law and order, and suppress terrorists. 

In a significant policy shift, parliamentary election candidates will now be eligible to apply for firearms licences.

The announcements were made during a media briefing following a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order in the Home Ministry conference room on Saturday, December 13.

The adviser explained that the ongoing drive to recover looted and illegal weapons would be intensified, with Phase-2 of the operation introduced without delay to further combat terrorist elements.

He reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to safeguarding frontline fighters of the July uprising, noting that special security arrangements are already in place and a dedicated committee has been established to oversee their protection.

Expressing deep regret over the recent attack on prominent July uprising figure Sharif Osman Hadi, the adviser stressed that the government views the incident with the highest priority. 

Law enforcement agencies have been ordered to apprehend those responsible swiftly, with no leniency shown. He called for public assistance in identifying the culprits and voiced optimism that justice would soon be served.

Labelling the assault on Hadi as a deliberate bid to derail the upcoming parliamentary elections, the adviser pledged that the interim government would resolutely thwart any attempts to undermine the democratic process.

He noted that the previously announced Tk 50 lakh reward for information on the attackers remains in effect and appealed for prayers for Hadi’s speedy recovery.

In a notable change to existing policy, firearms licences will now be available to candidates contesting the national elections upon application.

Responding to questions about arrangements for BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s anticipated return, the adviser assured that thorough preparations have been made to guarantee his full security.

Present at the briefing were Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Home Affairs Md Khoda Baksh Chowdhury, Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Nasimul Gani, and IGP Baharul Alam.