Police in Bangladesh’s capital have arrested 49 people during a coordinated citywide crackdown aimed at reducing crime and strengthening public safety, authorities have said.
The arrests were made over a 24-hour period on Thursday as part of Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2, an ongoing initiative led by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to target crime-prone areas across the city.
According to the DMP, teams conducted simultaneous raids in several neighbourhoods, including Mugda, Jatrabari, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, and Rupnagar. The operation focused on locations identified through intelligence gathering and recent crime pattern analysis.
Mugda recorded the highest number of arrests, with 18 people detained, followed by Rupnagar where 14 suspects were taken into custody. Police arrested 13 people in Jatrabari, while four were detained in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Deputy Police Commissioner of the DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division, said the operation was part of a broader effort to deter criminal activity and reassure residents. He noted that law enforcement agencies were prioritising visible policing and targeted actions in areas considered vulnerable to crime.
Police officials said those arrested are suspected of involvement in a range of offences, although specific charges were not disclosed. All detainees were produced before court following their arrest, in line with legal requirements.
Operation Devil Hunt was launched amid growing public concern over crime in parts of the capital, including incidents of theft, drug-related offences and organised criminal activity. Authorities say the phased approach allows police to adapt their strategy based on evolving security challenges.
The DMP said similar operations would continue in the coming days and weeks, urging members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement and report suspicious behaviour.
Officials have stressed that the campaign is intended not only to enforce the law but also to enhance long-term safety and stability across Dhaka.
