NN Online:
Khalidul Haque Howlader, the commanding officer of RAB-2, has said former Awami League (AL)-backed councillors Asif and Rajib have created a criminal empire in the city’s Mohammadpur. With their patronage, teenage gangs and illegal hideouts, such as the Geneva Camp, have flourished. Even after fleeing, their actions continue to incite violence, destabilising the area.
He made these remarks during a press conference held at the RAB media center in the city’s Karwan Bazar on Sunday.
Pledging to eradicate any such presence in the Mohammadpur-Basila area, he said, “Former local Ward Councillors had been involved in nurturing and supporting these gangs. The teenage gangs have now become uncontrollable due to the absence of the two Ward councillors.”
“The teenage gang members did not form overnight. They grew under the patronage and shelter of influential figures and eventually rose to positions of power within the criminal network. Had it not been for political patronage, these criminals would not have emerged as they did today. However, we have not yet identified any political affiliations among those involved in robbery and snatching,” he added.
The RAB commander said the force has already dismantled this stronghold ensuring that there is no longer a “godfather” figure in the camp. While there is still some drug activity, he assured that operations would continue to maintain peace and order in the area.
Regarding recent incidents in Mohammadpur, he said the two former ward councilors may have been involved in such incidents.
He emphasised that these two former ward councillors were responsible for the rise of the teenage gangs, and their absence has allowed the gangsters to act more recklessly. However, the teenage gang members are reportedly now involved in power struggles among themselves, he added.
