Bangladesh’s joint security forces have arrested 2,433 people across the country in four days under a special drive titled “Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2.” The operation, launched Saturday evening, aims to recover illegal firearms and curb political violence ahead of the upcoming national elections. According to police headquarters, 12 firearms and various ammunition were seized during the raids.

Officials said the decision to launch the operation followed the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. The Home Ministry’s core committee on law and order approved the campaign to ensure a peaceful electoral environment. Police and army units are jointly conducting the raids.

Authorities claim the operation is essential to maintain stability before the polls, though human rights groups have previously expressed concerns about mass arrests. The drive is expected to continue in the coming days as law enforcement intensifies surveillance and weapons recovery efforts nationwide.