The Voice News :Since the July 2024 uprising that led to the ousting of the Awami League government, Bangladesh has witnessed a significant increase in arrests. According to police data, from August 2024 to May 2025, a total of 359,798 individuals have been detained across the country. This includes 146,109 arrests between August and December 2024, and 213,689 arrests from January to May 2025 .
The initial months following the uprising saw a slowdown in police operations, with approximately 450 police stations vandalized or burned, leading to fewer arrests in August and September. However, as law enforcement regained operational capacity, arrest numbers surged, nearly doubling in the subsequent five months.
In May 2025 alone, 45,208 individuals were arrested, averaging about 1,458 arrests per day. This is a significant increase compared to the daily average of 974 arrests in the preceding months. While no specific nationwide operation is currently underway, law enforcement agencies remain active, particularly targeting members of the now-banned Awami League.
A notable crackdown, dubbed “Operation Devil Hunt,” was launched on February 8, 2025, in response to violent incidents in Gazipur. Over a 21-day period, this operation led to the arrest of 32,031 individuals, including 12,500 directly under the operation and 19,531 by other law enforcement agencies .
Bangladesh’s prison system is currently under significant strain. The country’s 69 prisons have a combined capacity of 42,887 inmates but are currently housing 73,006 prisoners, comprising 70,417 men and 2,589 women. Despite the overcrowding, prison authorities report that the daily number of new inmates and those released on bail are roughly balanced, helping to manage the situation .
The majority of arrests have targeted political figures, especially those affiliated with the banned Awami League. Reports indicate that over 87 former ministers and members of parliament have been detained. Notable figures such as former MPs Jebunnesa Afroz, Mamataz Begum, and Selina Islam are among those arrested.
Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the mass arrests and alleged arbitrary detentions. Amnesty International has documented cases where protesters, students, and opposition members were detained without due process, raising alarms about potential human rights violations .
The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, maintains that these actions are necessary to restore law and order. However, critics argue that the focus on political opponents, rather than addressing broader criminal activities, may hinder long-term stability and reconciliation efforts.