Teen gangs evolve into deadlier
Once considered a menace limited to petty crimes, teen gangs—popularly known as "Kishore Gangs"—have transformed into a far more dangerous force in the wake of recent political changes. Since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, these gangs have grown bolder, expanding their ranks and adopting modern weapons, terrorising urban and rural communities alike. Most of the gang members have switched parties, changed patrons, or re-emerged under new leadership.
A recent report from the Home Ministry reveals that the number of gang members has surged, and their criminal activities are spreading terror across the country.
A glimpse of the crisis
On February 5, four police officers were injured during an anti-drug operation in Mohammadpur’s Rayerbazar area when a teen gang, led by Lyangra Hasan, Farhad, and Chiku Shakil, attacked them. Around 30-40 gang members were involved.
On February 1, a banana trader and a teenager were shot during a clash between two teen gangs in Dhaka’s Hatirjheel area. The fight was over territorial dominance.
On November 12, two friends were robbed and held hostage by a teen gang in Uttara. The gang demanded a ransom of Tk 2 lakh after snatching their mobile phones and cash.
These incidents are just a glimpse of the chaos unleashed by teen gangs, who operate under the protection of local influential figures.
Teen gangs behind 40% of crimes in Dhaka
According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) sources, teen gang members are active in every police station area of Dhaka, accounting for 40% of criminal activities in the capital. Their numbers have increased by over 20,000, and they now wield pistols and modern weapons.
The Home Ministry reports 237 teen gang groups nationwide, with 127 operating in Dhaka alone.
In Chattogram, 57 groups with 316 members are active. Each police station area in Dhaka now has 500 to 1,000 gang members, a significant increase from the previous count of 2,382.
Surge in teen crimes after August 5
Since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, teen gangs have become more reckless. They are involved in extortion, robbery, drug dealing, and even murder, terrorising residents in cities and rural areas. Absence of law enforcement for several months after the political change surged activities of these gangs and they now continue their activities under the patronage of new political leaders or influential circles.
Root causes and law enforcement challenges
Law enforcement officials have identified drug abuse as a key factor driving teenagers into criminal activities. With many top criminals recently released from jail, these youths are increasingly falling under their influence, leading to a surge in crimes. Authorities are now focusing not only on arresting gang members but also on targeting their patrons and shelters.
But residents in the gang-prone areas also find absence of police for several months after August 5, reckless and heroism, and dire need of money for substance addiction, and urge to remain visible in locality are behind the surge of teen gangs.
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) had previously played a significant role in controlling teen gangs, but their resurgence indicates a need for renewed efforts. Lt Col Md Munim Ferdous, Director of RAB’s Legal and Media Wing, stated, “RAB is taking a strict stance on this issue.”
Notorious gangs and their activities
Some of the most dangerous gangs in Dhaka include the Dailla Group, Alex Group, Emon Group, and Anwar alias Shooter Anwar Group. In Uttara, gangs like Nine Star and Power Boys dominate, while Mirpur is plagued by groups such as Suman Gang and Picchi Babu.
In Mohammadpur, youth gangs are responsible for mass kidnappings and murders. On January 3, gang members openly practiced with weapons in Adabor, injuring over 50 locals. Similar incidents have been reported in Cumilla, where the Ratan Group has been involved in violent clashes and murders.
Dhaka is plagued by several dangerous juvenile gangs, including: Dailla Group, Alex Group, Emon Group, Anwar alias Shooter Anwar Group, Akash Group, The King of Law Thella Group, Diamond Group, I Don't Care (IDC), Murgi Group, Sabbir Group, Shaon Group, Film Jhirjhir, Star Bond, Group Twenty Five, Lara De, Level High, Deke Law-Chine Law, and Kopaiya De Group.
In Uttara, gangs named Nine Star, Power Boys, Bill Boss, Nine MM Boys, Sujan Fighter, Castle Boys, Altaf Zero, Viper, and Tufan are active.
In Mirpur, gangs line Suman Gang, Picchi Babu, Bihari Russell, Bicchu Bahini, Saiful Gang, Babu Rajan, Ripon Gang, Sabbir Gang, Nayan Gang, Mobarak Gang are on prowl.
In Dhanmondi, groups line AK 47, Nine MM, Five Star Bond are notorious.
In Bangshal area Jummon Gang, and in Sadarghat area Ferdous Group, Saju Group, Senior Group, Junior Group, Tiger Group, Cheeta Group are also active. Besides police, also name Mainuddin Gang in Tejgaon,, Chan Jadu gang in Mugda, and David King Fall Party, Volume Two, Bhandari gangs.
Mohammadpur bears the brunt
Since the political change, Mohammadpur has seen a rise in mass kidnappings and murders. Youth gangs openly practice with weapons in Adabor, creating fear among residents. On January 3, gang members attacked locals during a weapon practice session, injuring over 50 people.
Police revealed that drug dealers are leading these gangs. DB Suman, a former councilor, is allegedly leading the Hasu and Kasur gang in the absence of its original leaders. Recent clashes between the Dailla Group and Alex Group in Rayerbazar resulted in two deaths.
A recent police report has highlighted a surge in juvenile gang activities, particularly in Dhaka’s Adabor and Mohammadpur areas. Several of gang members are involved in various crimes across neighbourhoods like Alif Housing, Shyamoli Housing, Shekhertek, and Dhaka Udyan. Criminal activities by juvenile gangs have also increased in 50 police stations across the capital, including Mirpur, Uttara, Old Dhaka, and Demra.
Police sources reveal that complaints about juvenile gang crimes are reported almost daily. Factors such as drug abuse, unemployment, lack of parental supervision, and a disregard for the law are driving these youths toward criminal behaviour. Law enforcement agencies are taking action, but the problem persists.
Residents in Mirpur also reported increased gang activities, with thefts and robberies becoming common in the evenings.
Residents’ plight
Residents in affected areas, such as Mohammadpur and Uttara, live in constant fear. Arifur Rahman, a Mohammadpur resident, said, “These gangs rob people day and night, and women are not safe either.” Riazul Haque from Uttara Sector 6 added, “Crimes by teen gangs have increased after August 5. They extort money from homes and shops using weapons.”
Victims’ accounts
On January 6, a contractor in Mohammadpur was threatened by a juvenile gang demanding extortion. Md. Rahim, the contractor, said, “A group of 15-20 gang members, led by Babu alias Terenam Babu, attacked my workers with weapons and demanded Tk 2 lakh.”
In another incident on October 28, a businessman in Mohammadpur was threatened by gang members armed with sharp weapons. His brother, Hammadur Rahman, said, “We informed the police, RAB, and the army, but the gang returned an hour later to threaten us again.”
Law enforcement response
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has directed all police units to launch a campaign against juvenile gangs using updated lists. Over the past five months, meetings have been held at the police headquarters to strategize control measures.
Lt Col Md Munim Ferdous, Director of RAB’s Legal and Media Wing, stated, “RAB has arrested members of the Emon group in Mohammadpur. We are taking a strict stance against juvenile gangs and identifying their sponsors.”
DB Additional Police Commissioner Rezaul Karim Mallick added, “DB is actively pursuing reckless juvenile gang members. Several arrests have already been made, and we will bring all involved in criminal activities to justice.”
DMP’s Media and Public Relations Department Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman said, “Fifty DMP police stations are working to curb juvenile gang activities. Under ‘Operation Devil Hunt,’ we are arresting gang members daily.”
Expert opinion
Dr Touhidul Haque, Associate Professor at Dhaka University’s Institute of Social Welfare and Research, emphasised the need for a nuanced approach. “We must address the root causes of juvenile crime, such as poverty and social inequality. It’s crucial to identify and prosecute gang sponsors while reforming societal irregularities. Responsible citizens must also play a role in combating this issue."