At least 80 identified teen gangs with a total of 339 members have been creating chaos in different parts of Dhaka.
Senior-junior conflicts, so-called heroism, misuse of technology, loosening of family ties, and faulty socialization are contributing significantly to the rise of crimes among teenagers.
Between 2010 and 2021, there were 46 cases related to juvenile crimes in the capital, with one case currently in the final stages of trial, according to Dhaka Metropolitan Police sources.
The police are actively working to combat juvenile delinquency, but the involvement of all members of society, including parents, is crucial in order to be successful in rolling back the problem.
Experts say that criminals are luring girls from low-income families into immoral activities by talking about turning them into stars through various social media, including TikTok. Many of these girls are being trafficked to different countries, including India and the Middle East.
Uncontrolled use of various social media, including TikTok, Likee, Imo and Facebook, is also leading teenagers astray.
According to DMP officials, action against juvenile criminals is very complicated under the current Juvenile Act. In some cases, juvenile delinquents are instigated into committing crimes through the patronage of political influencers. But there is no political pressure to prevent juvenile delinquency.
Uttara Trust College student Adnan lost his life in 2017, a victim of the teen gang culture.
The gang members are involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug dealing. The gangs also often are locked in clashes with one another over trivial issues.
Their riding bikes in large groups and honking, and street racing are proving to be more than a public nuisance.
Social workers have suggested forming citizen committees to prevent juvenile gangs at the ward level in the city corporation and municipal areas.
DMP Commissioner Khandaker Golam Farooq said: "Political goodwill can play an important role in preventing juvenile crime. Police are also actively working to control juvenile crime in different parts of the country, including the capital. In order to achieve success in this regard, all members of society, including parents, must be involved.”
Roufun Nahar, a lecturer in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology of Dhaka University, said that parents not giving time to children but by giving them smartphones at a young age are also responsible for the recklessness of teenagers.
“Everyone has wounds. Those who are not raising children properly…there are also reasons behind not giving them the required guidance, affection, and love to their children…Maybe (the parents) didn't get it. Maybe they don't know how to give it,” said the lecturer.