What began as groups of teenagers spending time together has evolved into a growing law and order concern in Kushtia, where more than 100 teenage gangs are now reportedly active across urban areas and villages.
Divided into neighbourhood-based groups, these gangs compete to establish dominance in different areas while engaging in reckless motorcycle displays, clashes, weapon exhibitions and drug-related activities.
A 2024 report identified 13 teenage groups in Kushtia town, with each group having around 20 to 25 members. Local residents and law enforcement sources now say the number of active groups has increased significantly, although police have not published an updated list.
The groups often operate under names such as Backstreet Boys, Bad Boys, BSB, HSB, RLB, CWB, RDX, Ardent Boys, KCB, DB, KKG, VDLEMB and ‘007’, along with Black Boys, Ghost King, Monster Shadow Boys, Viking Eight Boys and Silent Power.
Their activities are visible in isolated locations, including abandoned buildings, vacant fields and deserted lanes in areas such as Housing, Eidgahpara and Courtpara.
Residents say these gatherings often start as casual hangouts but gradually become centres for drug use, clashes and attempts to control neighbourhoods.
Writing gang names on walls, riding motorcycles in groups and modifying exhaust systems to create loud sounds have become common ways of displaying influence.
Several violent incidents have been linked to teenagers allegedly involved with such groups. Members have been accused in cases related to the murders of Tarikul and Milon Hossain in Kushtia. In May, a video showing a young man being called to a location and tortured in Khoksa spread widely on social media.
On 3 July, businessman Ariful Islam Arif was allegedly taken off his motorcycle and beaten with a hammer in Lalanbazar. Later, a group riding motorcycles attacked his village home in Hansdia Char and fired several rounds, according to allegations.
A teenager named Saif said many youths enter gangs without realising the consequences.
“Initially, we only used to roam around. Later, after mixing with older brothers, we became involved with their group,” he said.
He said teenagers often follow instructions from older members without considering whether their actions are right or wrong.
Another youth, Parvez, said he left a gang after realising that involvement in crime would only bring legal trouble and damage his future.
Bikes, drugs and influence
Motorcycles have become a major attraction among gang members. In different parts of Kushtia town, teenagers are seen riding in groups at high speed and performing stunts or displays of dominance.
On 16 September, a 70-year-old man was killed in Daulatpur after being hit by a motorcycle carrying four teenagers allegedly riding recklessly.
Earlier, on 22 March, 16-year-old school student Nayan Sheikh died after losing control of his motorcycle and hitting an electric pole in Kumarkhali.
Drug use and trading are also considered major factors behind the spread of teenage gangs.
Hasibur Rahman Rizu, founder of the Drug Prevention Committee, said arresting teenagers alone would not solve the problem.
“Drugs have a major influence behind the spread of teenage gangs. The supply and spread of drugs must be stopped,” he said.
Residents say parents and families also have a role in preventing teenagers from becoming involved in gangs. They urged families to monitor changes in behaviour, unusual spending demands and late-night activities.
A parent said he failed to realise that his son had become involved in gang activities until he became involved in fights. He now regularly monitors his son’s movements and friendships.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) Faisal Mahmud said police are working to eliminate teenage gangs and drug-related activities.
“We are very serious about teenage gangs and drugs. We are working to eliminate them,” he said.
