Rising Teen Violence Sparks Demands for Urgent Measures

THE reckless rampages of teenage gangs across various parts of the country, including the capital, Dhaka, have become a source of terror for the public.

Incidents ranging from theft, mugging, drug peddling, cybercrime, and extortion to brutal attacks and hacking-murders in broad daylight have become almost daily occurrences.

According to newspaper reports on Tuesday, the crackdown on teen gangs by police in four districts – Cumilla, Chattogram, Chandpur and Noakhali — signals the government’s seriousness about addressing the growing problem of social disorder.

The force detained 1,310 teens on suspicion of various charges on Monday and later handed over 730 of them to their guardians.

Mentionable, the special drives carried out in the four districts, followed the tragic death of Ishiat Shahriar Oprotim, who was allegedly killed by a group of teenagers over an iPhone.

A high-level internal police committee has recommended identifying gang members and bringing them under rehabilitation programmes.

Also a recent incident in Mohammadpur — where a businessman was hacked and robbed of his money and motorcycle in broad daylight — demonstrates just how brazen these criminals have become.

Despite administrative warnings and regular raids by joint forces and the police, law enforcement agencies are unable to bring these groups under control. For reasons unknown, they appear helpless.

In recent years, a number of media outlets have also reported a surge in the so-called gang culture among urban teenagers, some of whom have allegedly been involved in crimes ranging from theft to more serious offences.

Clearly, some of these underage youths are delinquent, while others are purportedly exploited by hardened criminal ringleaders for little inducement.

Allegedly, the patronage of influential local political figures and so-called “big brothers” is the primary driving force behind the emergence of teenage gangs.

Certain opportunistic circles exploit these youths for political rallies, shows of strength, or to serve their own vested interests. And eventually these teenagers become henchmen for notorious criminals.

It is a regrettable truth that, despite changes in power, the toxic culture of using adolescents as pawns in destructive politics has not changed in the slightest.

Exploiting this structural weakness in the social fabric, the roots of crime are steadily spreading deep into social life.

Consequently, the security systems of both the state and society are now facing a formidable challenge.

To free society from this reckless gang culture, temporary or sporadic crackdowns will not yield lasting results.

To curb juvenile delinquency, law enforcement agencies must take the sternest legal action against the offenders and the ‘godfathers’ backing them, without regard for political influence or affiliations.