TDS Desk:

Juvenile gangs are becoming increasingly reckless not only in Dhaka but also in other parts of the country, with police and locals reporting a surge in their activities.

In Gazipur, at least 30 teenage gangs are now active, operating under different names across Sadar, Pubail, Tongi, Basan, Gacha, Konabari, and Kashimpur, among other areas. Their activities range from territorial dominance, extortion, chain-snatching, and harassment of women, to violent clashes and even murder. Some groups operate under political patronage, while others are backed by influential “big brothers” in the locality.

In Chattogram, teenage offenders have switched allegiances to new “big brothers” who control areas like Bayezid Bostami, Halishahar, Chandgaon, and Kotwali. The city’s police are updating their 2019 list of juvenile criminals, with each gang reportedly having 15–30 members.

In Cox’s Bazar, more than 100 gangs are active, most made up of Rohingya youths, particularly in areas like Kolatoli Dolphin Intersection.

Police said groups often arrive from Rohingya camps and get involved in mugging and other crimes. Twelve teenage suspects—10 of them Rohingya—were arrested from Kolatoli Public Works Park earlier this month.

In Rajshahi city, teenage gangs, nurtured under political patronage during the previous Awami League tenure, are active in all 30 wards. Initially supplied with drugs and weapons, they have now diversified their banners and criminal activities.

In Sylhet, teenage offenders, including tomtom drivers and former school-goers, are reportedly seeking new political patrons. Police sources said most are from slum areas, with a large number under the age of 18.

Mymensingh city’s parks and popular hangouts have become risky for visitors due to the presence of teenage gang members who harass students, ride motorbikes recklessly, and even assault park staff.

In Cumilla, police said 20 gangs are active, frequently brandishing weapons in public to assert dominance. At least 12 murders over the past eight years have been linked to these groups.

Khulna city police list 208 teenage offenders across eight police station areas, with groups active in locations like Tutpara, Nirala, Sonadanga, and Khalishpur. Even in front of girls’ schools and women’s colleges, gangs operate openly despite warning signs installed by police.

While police in different districts are making lists and carrying out raids, experts stress that community awareness programmes must be strengthened. Proposals at law-and-order meetings include banning loitering in front of educational institutions, increasing parental monitoring and counselling, and boosting law enforcement operations.