Teen gangs in Bangladesh

"[3] The emergence of teen gangs in Bangladesh can be traced back to the late 1990s, a period characterized by rapid urbanization and socio-economic changes that created an environment conducive to the formation of such groups.

Experts note factors such as poverty, lack of education, unemployment, family dysfunction, and exposure to violence have contributed to the growth of this subculture among the youth.

[5] Teen gangs in Bangladesh are involved in a broad range of criminal activities, encompassing drug trafficking, extortion, theft, robbery, and acts of violence.

According to experts, vulnerable teenagers, facing social exclusion, neglect, or a lack of positive role models, are more susceptible to gang involvement.

External influences, such as media, movies, and music that glorify gang culture, also play a role in attracting young individuals to join these groups.

Non-governmental organizations and civil society groups play a vital role in providing support and rehabilitation to individuals associated with teen gangs.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has drawn a list of the active teenage criminal gangs in the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka. As of June 2023, there were 52 gangs on the list with 682 identified members in total, in 33 thanas (police station areas) under eight crime divisions of DMP. [ 6 ]