Fugitive masters pull strings as teen gangs fuel crime wave
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Teen gangs are fighting on the front lines, as fugitive terrorists, organized crime rings, and influential local figures are pulling the strings from behind the scenes.
Those who were once teen gang members themselves have now become the controllers of a criminal empire. Their age has increased and their identities have changed, but the nature of the crimes has not.
Instead, they are now using a new generation of teenagers as their most trusted force. Law enforcement says these teenagers are now a kind of “fuel” for the underworld.
Investigations revealed that most teenage gangs are controlled by the underworld’s “Four Star” group in Mirpur, Dhaka. One of its key members is Moktar, a fugitive in Malaysia. Gangs like the “Bhoira De Group” led by Ashik are active on his behalf.
Yet, Moktar was also once a leader of a teenage gang. Building his position in the crime world, he caught the attention of fugitive top terrorist Shahadat Hossain and later served as his second-in-command for a long time. During this period, he built his own network and established “Four Star”.
Moktar’s story is not an exception; rather, it reflects a larger reality. From Dhaka to district towns, from municipalities to remote villages - the list of teenage gangs is growing every day.
A recent update from RAB Headquarters identified 339 teen gangs across various areas of the country, which is 102 more than the list previously submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) data, there are 159 active teen gangs in Dhaka alone.
Escalation of crime
Law enforcement officials said while these gangs were initially involved in brawls, local dominance, or petty crimes, allegations of their involvement in serious crimes like murder, mugging, kidnapping, drug trafficking, extortion, and even rape are now being found.
Investigators added that many top terrorists are in jail, hiding, or abroad, and are trying to maintain influence through followers without being physically present.
Teenagers are the easiest targets. They are lured into groups through promises of local influence, social media popularity, quick money, or friendships. They are first given small tasks and gradually involved in larger crimes.
One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “In many cases, it is seen that a teenager who is a gang member today becomes an active member of an organized crime ring a few years later. Therefore, teenage gangs are not just an immediate crime; they are becoming a source of future organized crime.”
Hotspots and patrons
According to sources within RAB and the police, teenage gang activity is notably high in areas such as Mohammadpur, Adabor, Mirpur, Pallabi, Bhashantek, Badda, Gulshan, Rampura, Motijheel, Wari, Jatrabari, and Uttara.
Investigations have linked several prominent names to these gangs, including Sanjidul Haque Imon in Mohammadpur-Dhanmondi, Moktar of the “Four Star” group in Mirpur-Pallabi, and Jisan Ahmed in the Motijheel area.
Moreover, the names of Iktiyar Ahmed in AGB Colony-Fakirapul, the followers of Idul in Gopibagh-Wari, Shahzada in Rampura, and Mehedi Hasan alias Collins alongside Mahbub-Robin in the Gulshan-Badda area have also surfaced in investigative reports.
Imamul Hasan Helal (Picchi Helal) and others face allegations of patronizing these gangs. Sadikur Rahman Akand Sujon, formerly an associate of the Jisan Group, has formed a separate team controlling extortion and drug trades in Goran and Khilgaon.
He is a key accused in the murder of Bashar, a balloon seller’s grandson in the Goran Nurbagh area. His close associates include Kaila Nabi, Sharif, Shiplu, and Tipu. During the Awami League government, Police Sergeant Rumi Kawsar, known as the “cashier” of former IGP Benazir Ahmed, reportedly managed the administration for Sujon.
The accused deny allegations
Helal told Agamir Somoy, “The allegations of patronizing teen gangs against me are baseless. These are conspiracies by top terrorist Imon. He is publicizing his crimes in my name.”
Jisan also denied the claims, saying, “The question of patronizing any teen gang does not even arise. A certain group is targeting me with propaganda.”
Mehedi similarly claimed the allegations are untrue.
Law enforcement and expert views
CID’s Deputy Inspector General NS Nazrul Islam said regular operations and surveillance are ongoing, and actions against such gangs in Dhaka will be intensified.
Associate Professor Touhidul Haque of University of Dhaka’s Criminology Department suggested identifying gang hotspots, taking action against patrons, and expanding cultural and educational initiatives. He added, “Effective investigation and legal action must be taken against those accused of using teenagers for crime.”
Psychiatrist Mekhla Sarkar told Agamir Somoy: “The role of parents is most important in preventing the spread of teenage gangs. Where the child is, who they are mixing with, when they are returning or leaving home - these matters should be strictly monitored.”
She advised against giving children everything they ask for immediately and emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations with neighbors to help look out for each other’s children.
