Teenage gangs out of control: Who will rein them in?

A growing wave of fear is sweeping through both cities and villages as teenage gangs emerge as a new face of lawlessness across Bangladesh. Once confined to urban backstreets, these groups have now spread their influence into rural communities, leaving ordinary people, law enforcement, and journalists increasingly vulnerable to violence.

In a recent incident, two officers from Bogura’s Phulbari Police Outpost—Sub-Inspector Abdur Rahman and Assistant Sub-Inspector Ahmed Ali—were violently attacked by a group of teenage gang members. The officers had tried to seize a motorcycle involved in an accident when they were obstructed and assaulted by the gang. The incident occurred around 11:30pm on April 15 in the Kalitala area of Bogura city. They were later rescued and taken to Bogura Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College (SZMEC) Hospital for treatment.

Just days before that, a similar act of violence targeted the press. On April 7, journalists Khorshed Alam and Asafudaula Neon were attacked in the Jaleshwaritala area of Bogura city. Alam, a correspondent for The Business Standard and Maasranga Television, and Neon, a reporter for the online portal Bogura Live, were assaulted without provocation. Neon was seriously injured in the attack. “We still don’t know why it happened,” said Alam, adding that the gang struck without warning.

The fear is not limited to public figures. Ordinary residents are becoming frequent targets. Shanto, a resident of Bogura’s Banani area, was robbed by a group of teenagers while on his way to the market in Jaleshwaritala. Held at knifepoint, he was forced to hand over 7,500 taka before the attackers fled. Such incidents have become alarmingly common.

Locals say the gang members, often armed with sharp weapons, roam the alleys in groups and provoke conflict at the slightest pretext. Their motorcycle stunts and reckless behavior are not just for show—they're tactics to instill fear and assert dominance.

What’s more concerning is that the menace has spread beyond city limits. Investigations reveal that juvenile gang activity has sharply increased in Bogura’s Shajahanpur, Gabtoli, Shibganj, Adamdighi, Sonatala, Sherpur, Dhunat, Sariakandi, Kahalu, and Nandigram upazilas. Driven by the mindset that "anything is possible," these gangs are engaging in a range of criminal acts, from robbery and extortion to violence, with members often ranging beyond just teenagers.

Many residents are losing faith in law enforcement. At least 20 residents, including Ibrahim Hossain and Babu Mia, voiced frustration over what they see as inadequate police response. “If law enforcement had taken stricter measures earlier, the gangs wouldn't have become this reckless,” said one resident. Many now fear for their safety while walking with their families, especially after dark.

In response to growing public concern, Hossain Muhammad Raihan, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) in Bogura, told Views Bangladesh that the police are actively conducting operations against these gangs. “We are taking a strict stance and working continuously to curb their criminal activities,” he assured.