There are 180 teenage groups across the country including the capital Dhaka that is leading youths in the crime empire. Their activities are taking place in different places under different names. They announce the name of their group using symbols on Facebook, walls, or posters. Their crime patterns are also changing with time. Juveniles are getting involved in various crimes starting from dominating the area, extortion, robbery, and murder. Even after a series of arrests, they cannot be stopped. There are allegations of the involvement of influential people behind the youth gangs in various incidents.
According to a survey, there are more than 50 youth gangs active in the capital Dhaka. In addition, the crime world of the port city of Chattogram is also being dominated by juvenile gangs. Local seniors control juvenile gangs in various areas. First, they get involved in petty and later big crimes. Under the political umbrella, the youth gang culture is taking terrible shape all over the country. Dominance, senior-junior conflicts, love disputes, drugs, getting involved in murder, etc.
According to police headquarters sources, 26 people were killed and 329 injured in 2023 by youth gangs across the country. 379 cases have been registered against juvenile gangs and 940 people have been arrested. 180 district and divisional youth gang groups are active including Dhaka. 1677 were sent to 197 correctional facilities due to crime in 2023. It should be noted that after the killing of Adnan Kabir at the capital's Uttara in January 2017, the activities of a teenage gang came into discussion. Since that time, law and order forces have spoken out against the youth gangs across the country including the capital. Since then regular operations have been going on to catch the juvenile gang members.
Police officials said that a list of local youth gangs has been prepared. Their masterminds and patrons are also being listed. When information about youth gang activity is available, raids are conducted. Cases have been filed along with their detention. Along with being sent to the correctional facility. Most of the leaders or members of these criminal gangs are separated from their families. Many live in slums. However, many school-college students also get involved in these circles in bad company.
Enamul Haque Sagar, AIG (Media) of Police Headquarters said that police are taking multi-pronged steps to curb the crime of teen gangs, such as increasing police patrols, continuing police operations at possible hangouts, increasing intelligence surveillance on the movements of suspected teens.
Dhaka University Social Welfare and Research Institute teacher and social and crime expert Dr. Tawohidul Haque said that those involved in the youth gang culture form different groups. They dominate the area and are involved in various criminal activities. They try to collect money in various ways. They also act as a supporting force for any big brother in the area.
ZH
