Police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) data reveal the presence of approximately 10,000 active teen gang members nationwide, with over 2,000 operating in the capital. The concerning statistic includes the activity of more than 80 teen gangs within Dhaka city alone.
In today’s ever-changing social context, crimes and criminals cohabit with ‘teenage gangs’ or ‘teen gang culture,’ presenting a growing concern for law enforcement. A popular term in the crime world of Bangladesh nowadays, the ‘teen gangs’ have been cornering headlines in recent times -from public transport to newspapers, and from television talk-shows to social media. They continue terrorizing communities in different parts of the country. In fact, teen gangs have been making their voices heard for all the wrong reasons including petty crimes to murder, stalking to rape, and mugging to drug abuse.
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Recently, a cohort of teenagers in the capital and surrounding areas has been observed establishing teenage gangs, becoming entangled in assorted criminal activities while operating under the facade of influential connections. Among them, there are teenagers from poor families, university students, and juveniles from rich families. These gangs are indulging in violence even over the trivial issues. Juvenile felony is nothing new, but it is now more organized than the past. And, the most worrying fact is that their crimes seem to have turned more violent, brutal and gruesome with the passing of every year.
The Alarming Surge
In the past year, In Dhaka, a minimum of 80 identified youth gangs, comprising a total of 339 members, are causing disorders in various areas.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police sources report 46 cases related to juvenile crimes between 2010 and 2021, with one case currently undergoing final trial proceedings.
While the police actively address juvenile delinquency, the active involvement of all segments of society, particularly parents, is deemed essential for successful intervention.
The unregulated usage of social media platforms like TikTok, Likee, Imo, and Facebook is also playing a significant role in leading teenagers astray. Experts highlight that criminals exploit social media platforms such as TikTok to lure girls from low-income families into immoral activities, promising them stardom. Consequently, many of these girls become victims of trafficking to various countries, including India and the Middle East.
What Causes Teenagers to Stray?
No one is inherently a criminal; external factors such as surroundings and traumatic experiences contribute to criminal behavior. The concerning issue is why, during the crucial period when children should be focused on education, some are drawn into criminal activities. Experts attribute the rise in juvenile crime to factors like weak family bonds, ineffective parenting, societal decay, early exposure to technology like smartphones, peer pressure, and negative influence from powerful individuals.
Among these factors, the most perilous is the unsupervised use of the internet and smartphones by teenagers. This leads them to adopt aspects of Western pop culture, exemplified by games like Grand Theft Auto (GTA), an open-world game depicting mobster life in American neighborhoods. In Bangladesh, some teen gang members emulate elements of this game.
Additionally, flaws in the country’s legal system contribute to their audacity, as the current law doesn’t allow prosecution of individuals under 18 for offenses under the Penal Code. Instead, they should be apprehended and placed in rehabilitation facilities. However, despite concerns, the Dhaka Children’s Court reveals that over the past 15 years, around 200 murders in the capital have been committed by teen gangs, highlighting a pressing issue in the judicial system.
Impact
Research indicates that the presence of teenage gang culture exerts significant social, economic, and psychological ramifications on society. The existence of such gangs fosters an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, impeding the progress and well-being of the communities they impact. In Bangladesh, the surge in gang activities has resulted in escalated crime rates, particularly in urban settings.
Given these circumstances, it is imperative for our nation to heighten its awareness regarding the daily influences on our youth. The prevalent political violence embedded in our society and politics necessitates scrutiny and reform. Addressing the political patronage extended to these gangs must be a priority starting from the highest echelons of power. Additionally, concerted efforts are required to offer our young population improved opportunities and the assurance of leading fulfilling lives.
Disturbing Incidents
Recent incidents, such as a fierce street brawl between two Narayanganj-based teen gangs, highlight the escalating nature of the problem. Over 50 individuals engaged in violent confrontations, wielding sharp weapons in a turf war for dominance, wreaking havoc in the Masdair area. These incidents underscore the failure of local leaders and law enforcement to bring these gangs under control.
Police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) data reveal the presence of approximately 10,000 active teen gang members nationwide, with over 2,000 operating in the capital. The concerning statistic includes the activity of more than 80 teen gangs within Dhaka city alone. Adding to the gravity of the situation, over two hundred gang members in the capital have been red-listed by the police. Intelligence sources point to the highest dominance of teen gangs in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur, Uttara, and Mirpur areas. Additionally, at least one hundred and fifty clandestine groups are reportedly active in these three regions.
Urgent Call for National Consciousness
In response to this alarming display of youth violence, there is an urgent need for heightened national consciousness regarding the daily exposures of our youth. The pervasive political violence ingrained in our society demands scrutiny and transformation. Addressing the political patronage extended to these gangs requires top-down intervention, and our youth must be presented with more promising prospects for fulfilling lives.
Many criminologists say that this newly trend of teen gang culture has similarities with the gang culture that started many years ago in the Western world. These teenagers are building a new society for themselves within the society. The culture, language, beliefs, values of their society is completely different and dark. Keeping the locality under control by showing muscle power, moving in groups, being ferocious is the motto of their society. According to psychologists, at this age, the mind and spirit remains scattered.
It is noticeable that this teenage gang culture could turn into a major crisis if not curbed now, appropriate social and legal initiatives as well as everyone’s participation are needed. In this way, if children and teenagers are provided with creative work environments and can be engaged in developmental works, it is expected that the dominance of the nightmare of teenage gangs will be reduced. In this method, if children and teenagers are provided with creative work environments and can be engaged in developmental works, it is anticipated that the dominance of the nightmare of teenage gangs will be reduced.
Role of Family and Legislative Gaps
Experts emphasize the pivotal role of families in monitoring the activities of juvenile boys and providing guidance when needed. Given the lack of clarity in laws and regulations regarding the trial of juvenile offenders below 18 years in Bangladesh, there is a pressing need for updates to effectively respond to the growing threat of youth crime and violence. The government’s contemplation of amending the Children Act signals a step in the right direction, especially considering the age-related challenges in criminal trials.
While effective laws are imperative, a comprehensive approach involves collective responsibility from families, social influencers, and political leaders. Striking a balance between addressing juvenile crimes and safeguarding the welfare and future of teenagers is crucial for a sustainable solution. In the face of this pressing reality, authorities must respond with urgency and effectiveness to curtail the growing threat posed by teen gang culture.
