Underworld resurfaces, grips capital with fear

Old criminal networks appear to have resurfaced across Dhaka and beyond, with extortion re-emerging in a more organised, technology-driven form following recent political changes.

Law enforcement and intelligence sources say the activities are no longer confined to street-level operations but have evolved into structured “three-tier” syndicates using mobile and online platforms.

Businesspeople — from major industrialists to mid-level traders—report receiving threats via phone calls, WhatsApp and Imo voice messages, as well as written notes invoking the names of alleged “top terrorists”.

Victims are often instructed to make payments through bank transfers or mobile financial services such as bKash and Nagad.

According to intelligence information, more than a hundred associates linked to major criminal figures are active across at least 20 areas of the capital, including Motijheel, Gulistan, Badda, Kawran Bazar, Tejgaon, Dhanmondi, New Market, Hazaribagh, Adabor, Mirpur, Moghbazar, Gulshan, Old Dhaka and Mohammadpur.

Authorities say the current wave gained momentum after 5 August 2024, when a number of convicted criminals were released on bail amid a period of political transition.

Several high-profile figures — some long believed to be inactive or abroad—have reportedly reasserted influence, while new “hybrid” groups have also emerged under shifting political alignments.

Investigations suggest that these networks operate in three tiers. The first group gathers contact details of potential targets—business owners, professionals and officials—often using digital means.

A second group then issues threats and demands payment, frequently warning of violence.

A third group collects the money, retains a portion, and channels the rest to senior figures, some of whom are believed to be operating from abroad.

Police officials note that not all threats originate from major criminal figures. In many cases, local gangs or individuals exploit well-known names to intimidate victims.

However, they also acknowledge that established criminal actors continue to target larger businesses directly.

A list of 342 suspected extortionists in Dhaka and 651 nationwide has reportedly been compiled, though officials admit that without sustained arrest operations, such activities are difficult to curb.

Crime data indicates a rise in violent incidents. At least 16 murders were recorded in Dhaka in April alone. From January to March, 107 killings occurred in the capital—36 in January, 38 in February and 33 in March.

Nationwide, police data shows 854 murders during the same three-month period: 287 in January, 250 in February and 317 in March.

Law enforcement sources link more than two dozen murders in the past 19 months to disputes involving organised criminal groups, including clashes over territorial control and extortion.

Several incidents highlight the trend. In one case, a garment factory in Kafrul was reportedly targeted by a group of armed men demanding a large sum of money; shots were fired and property damaged when the demand was refused. Police later arrested several suspects linked to a local gang.

In other incidents, killings have been associated with rivalries between groups seeking dominance over areas such as Hatirjheel, Moghbazar and Badda, often tied to control of businesses including cable television, broadband services, markets and property.

Investigators say some alleged organisers are operating from overseas, directing local associates through digital communication.

In one case, a suspect released from prison reportedly left the country shortly after securing bail and is believed to be coordinating activities remotely.

Others are said to maintain influence from locations including the Middle East, Europe and North America.

Authorities also point to ongoing disputes between rival groups, with contract killings and targeted attacks used to assert control. In several cases, victims were reportedly linked to competing factions.

Business owners describe a climate of fear. One trader in Old Dhaka said he was threatened by someone claiming to represent a well-known criminal figure and eventually paid a reduced sum after repeated intimidation.

Police later informed him that the named ??????? was no longer alive, suggesting the threat had been fabricated.

Officials emphasise that such misuse of identities is common, with fraudsters exploiting public fear to extract money.

Police Headquarters say instructions have been issued to accept complaints promptly and pursue cases using call detail records, mobile banking trails and cyber forensics.

Several syndicates have already been dismantled, and suspects arrested on charges including fraud and extortion.

A senior police official noted that many complaints involve small, localised groups rather than large organised networks, though he acknowledged the continued presence of more serious criminal organisations.

Authorities are urging victims not to yield to threats but to report incidents confidentially. Coordination meetings are ongoing among law enforcement agencies, and a central committee on law and order has recently been reconstituted.

Despite these measures, officials concede that restoring full control remains a challenge, as criminal networks adapt quickly and exploit political transition and digital tools to expand their operations.