More than 50 ‘teen gangs’ run rampant in Cumilla
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Teen gangs have become increasingly unruly in Cumilla. Members of these groups have allegedly been involved in various crimes including clashes, mugging, extortion, drug dealing and carrying weapons. Their activities have continued despite regular drives and arrests by law enforcement agencies. The recent killing of seventh grader Ishayat Shahriar Apratim has once again brought the activities of teen gangs in Cumilla into focus. More than 50 gangs are reportedly operating across alleys and hilly areas.
Ishayat Shahriar Apratim (13), was the only child of Dr Nahida Begum, an associate professor of the Department of Bangla at Cumilla University. Apratim went missing on September 18 after leaving home with his mother’s iPhone to take pictures. The following day, his body was recovered from a forested area in the Sananda area of Lalmai Hills near Cumilla University. Four people have been arrested in connection with the incident by the Detective Branch of police. Police also recovered Apratim’s iPhone.
According to local residents and law enforcement sources, the activities of various teen groups became visible in Cumilla city and surrounding areas from 2016. Over time, allegations of these groups becoming involved in criminal activities have also increased. Teenagers moving around in groups, motorcycle showdowns and attempts to establish dominance in local areas have become a source of concern for residents.
These groups are known by different names in different areas. Locally, gangs are active under names including Eagle Group, Ratan Group, R Squad, Rax, X, LRN, CBK, Modern, Rockstar, Disco Boys, Boss, Royal Bengal, Sizzling, J and J, Big Brother, Twist, Black Star, Dark, RGS, CMC, King Squad and Crime Setup.
According to various sources, 14 killings have been carried out by teen gangs from 2016 to September 22 this year. Among them, a 15-year-old teenager named Md Shahadat Hossain was allegedly hacked to death on August 19, 2022, following a dispute between two teen groups in front of Nagar Udyan.
On December 31 of the same year, a young man named Faisal Islam Hridoy, 18, was allegedly killed after being called away from a New Year’s Eve event in the Barapukurpar area of South Chartha. On December 4, 2024, a young man named Sajib Hossain, also known as Babu, 22, was beaten and stabbed to death in the Ashoktala area of the city. Members of a teen gang were also allegedly involved in the incident.
Following Apratim’s killing, police have said that anti teen gang operations in Cumilla will be intensified. According to district police data, more than 500 teen gang members have been detained and sent to court in the past 15 days.
Cumilla Superintendent of Police Md Anisuzzaman said police have adopted a “zero tolerance” policy toward drugs and teen gangs. He said more than 500 teen gang members have been sent to court after drives were conducted over the past 15 days. Those involved in Apratim’s killing were arrested within 24 hours.
However, local residents and those concerned believe arrests and raids alone cannot provide a permanent solution to the problem. Human rights activist Farha Emda Impa described the activities of teen gangs as concerning. According to her, there have been allegations that teen gangs have been used politically at different times. Alongside active measures by law enforcement agencies to curb crime, parents should also remain aware of their children’s movements, friendships and activities on social media.
However, Cumilla South District BNP General Secretary Ashikur Rahman Mahmud Wasim disagreed with the allegation. He claimed that no politician from the current ruling side provides patronage to teen gangs and that these groups are still operating under the leadership of Chhatra League. He called for increased activity by the police administration to curb teen gangs.
Superintendent of Police Md Anisuzzaman has emphasized a coordinated approach to tackling teen gangs. He said that alongside law enforcement agencies, social awareness should be increased and parents should keep track of when, where and what their children are doing.
