In our society, we often deal with complex social issues by only scratching the surface. Following the tragic murder of 13-year-old Oprotim by a teenage gang in Cumilla, the initial response was to place blame on the victim and his family, particularly his mother, for perceived parenting failures. Many individuals took to social media to offer unsolicited parenting advice. However, few showed interest in addressing the root questions: Why are young individuals joining violent gangs instead of focusing on education and personal growth? Who is supporting these groups? And what measures have been taken to safeguard them from harm?
Recent years have witnessed a surge in reports of teenage gang violence nationwide, extending beyond major cities like Dhaka and Chattogram to areas such as Manikganj, Khulna, Chandpur, and Noakhali. These gangs are not limited to occasional street fights; police and intelligence sources reveal their increasing involvement in extortion, drug trafficking, territorial disputes, and even property seizures. Dhaka alone has identified 127 teen gangs, while Chattogram reports roughly 200 gangs with over 1,400 members responsible for at least 548 criminal incidents in the past six years. The violence perpetrated by these groups is escalating, with incidents like the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Hridoy in Chattogram, where his ears were cut off before the attack.
In response to this escalating challenge, authorities have resorted to widespread crackdowns. Cumilla witnessed a rise in teenage gang activity around 2015, evolving from a few groups to a significant issue. Police link gang members to numerous crimes, including 12 killings and over 100 incidents from 2017 to 2025, along with 25 notable crimes in the first eight months of the current year. The alleged offenses range from murder and extortion to drug dealing, theft, and weapon possession. Recent operations in Cumilla resulted in the detention of over 2,000 youths in five phases, with some released under warnings and others sent to court.
However, simply conducting mass arrests may not be sufficient to eradicate these gangs. Many arrested leaders and members have prior records of serious crimes, such as murder. For instance, Cumilla’s notorious “R Squad” has a history of public weapon displays and attempted murders, led by Imran Hossain alias Ratan and his associate Saiful Islam. The effectiveness of crackdowns is also compromised when the focus is solely on teenage gang members instead of their benefactors. Political figures who exploit these teenagers for influence must not be exempt from accountability.
While efforts are being made to uncover the individuals supporting these gangs, law enforcement must ensure transparency in these investigations and monitor recruitment patterns and recidivism among released offenders. The involvement of juveniles in violent incidents underscores the need to address the root causes and provide rehabilitation measures beyond mere incarceration. Factors like family issues, lack of supervision, delinquent peers, academic struggles, and poverty contribute to delinquency, making children susceptible to criminal behavior.
To prevent youth involvement in gangs, providing constructive alternatives is crucial. Safe spaces for recreational activities, educational support, and skill development can steer children away from criminal influences. Empowering young people with purposeful engagements can unleash their potential for positive contributions to society. Failure to address the underlying issues fueling teenage violence will perpetuate the symptoms while neglecting the core problem.
