Juvenile gangs must be stopped

Juvenile gangs are nothing new in our social structure. These small, organised anti-social groups have been active in different neighbourhoods since the 1990s. However, their criminal activities have increased manifold of late. Killing, especially, has now become routine for them. The recent incident of Dr Korban Ali's death in Chattogram exemplifies this trend. He succumbed to injuries sustained in an attack by a gang of teenagers while attempting to save his son.
Earlier, there have been incidents of loss of life in attacks by youth gang members in various parts of the country. Drug trade and extortion are the main activities of these juvenile gangs. In these activities, disputes and fights are instigated to maintain absolute dominance. Youth gang members have become increasingly reckless due to direct political support. Their activities are disrupting peace of society, and numerous families are suffering. Law enforcement agencies need to take strict action to curb the activities of youth gang members. The rise in violence perpetrated by juvenile gangs cannot be prevented unless their godfathers are held accountable under the law.

Ratul Sarwar
Shamoly, Dhaka.
[email protected]