At least 200 teen gangs with an estimated 1,400 members operate across Chittagong city, engaging in activities ranging from territorial clashes and drug trading to extortion and land grabbing, according to police records.
The issue has resurfaced following the killing of 16-year-old Hriday in the Taltala area of Wireless Colony under Khulshi police station. Police suspect the murder was linked to a rivalry between two gangs, Five Star and Seven Star.
Police arrested eight teenagers in connection with the killing, which reportedly stemmed from a dispute over seniority and hierarchy. Hriday was a member of Five Star, while the accused teenagers allegedly belonged to Seven Star.
Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) first compiled a list of teen gangs and their alleged leaders in 2019, following the 2018 killing of school student Adnan Isfar in Jamalkhan. The list was updated in March 2024.
According to the list, 119 gangs operate under CMP's North and South zones, while 81 are based in the West and Port zones. Police also identified 64 alleged patrons, including five ward councillors, accused of providing protection or support to the groups.
However, the list has not been comprehensively updated since 2024, leaving uncertainty over the number of active gangs and their current membership.
Several groups reportedly remain active despite political changes after August 5, 2024. These include Bingu and Python in Halishahar, Five Star and Seven Star in Khulshi and Pahartali, Murad and Jasim in Bakalia, Danger in Jamalkhan; and MBS in Muradpur. Other groups have been reported in Panchlaish, Chakbazar and several surrounding neighbourhoods.
Gang members are accused of controlling drug sales, extorting money, grabbing land, regulating roadside vendors and committing snatching. Police sources say some teenagers are also allegedly used as contract killers.
In May 2025, 18-year-old Wahidul Haque, known as Sabbir, died at Chittagong Medical College Hospital after being attacked in Halishahar. Police linked the killing to a feud between Bingu and Python. His father alleged that his son had been killed for refusing to join Python.
Clashes between the Murad and Jasim groups over drug trading and territorial control have also triggered panic in Bakalia. In another incident, teen gang members were reportedly involved in the killing of college student Ashfaq Kabir Sajid, who was allegedly beaten and thrown from the roof of an eight-storey building on April 12.
Chittagong Superintendent of Police Mohammad Masud Alam said operations against teen gangs were continuing across the district, with arrests being made.
CMP Assistant Commissioner for Public Relations Aminur Rashid said police were also targeting those allegedly providing protection to the gangs.
CMP Commissioner Hasan Md Shawkut Ali said police were taking action against teen gangs and other criminals to maintain law and order. “Members of teenage gangs are being brought under the law,” he said.
