Once regarded as one of the country’s quieter districts, Noakhali is now grappling with a surge in murders, gang violence, drug trafficking and armed intimidation.
Over the past seven months, at least 13 people have been killed in separate incidents across the district, prompting growing concerns among residents, community leaders and law enforcement agencies.
Locals say the deterioration of law and order is being fuelled by a dangerous mix of teen gangs, narcotics trafficking, extortion, turf wars and political patronage. Many also point to the emergence of what they describe as “shell-changing” criminal groups-gangs that have allegedly shifted political loyalties following last year’s political transition while continuing their criminal activities under new banners.
Wave of killings
Law enforcement and local sources said murders, shootings, stabbings and violent clashes have become increasingly common in Noakhali Sadar, Begumganj, Senbag, Chatkhil, Kabirhat and neighbouring areas.
Among those killed in recent months were Nirob, 26, Kamal Uddin, 50, Abdul Hai, 75, and Mohammad Selim, 55, in Noakhali Sadar. In Begumganj, victims included Fakhrul Islam Monju, 25, Jubayer Hossain Rakib, 23, Abdul Kader, 35, and Mohammad Fahim, 21.
In Sonaimuri, businessman Ismail Hossain Komol, 45, and Abu Bakkar Siddique, 35, were killed in separate incidents, while another man died after being beaten over allegations of involvement in drug trading. Khokon, 32, was killed in Chatkhil and Anwar Hossain, 22, in Kabirhat.
The latest victim was 17-year-old schoolboy Arafat Hossain Fahim, who was allegedly murdered by drug addicts while visiting his grandfather’s home in Senbag on Wednesday night.
Teen gangs spreading fear
Residents allege that youth groups organised through social media platforms are increasingly engaging in violent confrontations to establish local dominance.
What once began as neighbourhood rivalries or disputes over sporting events now frequently escalates into deadly violence, according to local people. Parents say they are reluctant to allow their children outdoors after dark, while motorcycle processions and public displays of force by gang members have become common sights in several areas.
“The fear is constant,” said a resident of Begumganj, requesting anonymity. “A minor disagreement can quickly turn into a violent clash. People no longer feel safe.”
Criminal networks in new colours
Local investigations suggest that before the political change of 5 August, several organised groups operated across multiple unions in Begumganj and surrounding areas. Many were allegedly linked to influential figures associated with the former ruling party.
Residents claim that while some gang leaders have gone into hiding since the political transition, many of their associates remain active after aligning themselves with new political camps.
“Earlier we feared one group. Now the same people appear to be operating under different political umbrellas,” said a local businessman. “The faces may be the same, but the colours have changed.”
The issue came sharply into focus following the killing of Jubayer Hossain Rakib, 23, in Sharifpur Union. According to local residents, he was beaten to death after refusing to comply with an extortion demand. Another victim later died from injuries sustained in the same attack. The double killing sparked road blockades and protests by angry residents.
Weapons and violence
Police recently recovered a significant cache of weapons in Begumganj.
On 8 June, officers detained Md Rahim, 21, at a temporary checkpoint on the Gopalpur-Banglabazar road and seized three foreign-made pistols, eight rounds of live ammunition, three magazines and a Royal Enfield motorcycle.
Just a day later, Faruk Hossain, 27, a mason, was shot during a dispute between rival groups in Hajipur Union. Local sources alleged that the attack was linked to an ongoing struggle for territorial dominance. He remains in critical condition at Noakhali General Hospital.
Growing concern
ABM Kamrul Islam, a senior lawyer and former president of the Noakhali District Bar Association, said the rising number of murders had created widespread anxiety.
“The increase in killings is alarming. Teen gangs, drug trafficking and administrative weaknesses have all contributed to the current situation,” he said. “Political leaders, social organisations and law enforcement agencies must work together to build resistance against these criminal networks.”
Nurul Amin Khan, general secretary of Noakhali District Juba Dal, blamed the violence on drug trafficking, gang culture and ineffective policing.
“Since the July uprising, murders and violent incidents have increased because of inadequate policing and the absence of regular anti-crime operations,” he said.
Beyond law enforcement
Community leaders argue that law enforcement operations alone will not solve the problem.
They cite unemployment, weak family supervision, declining discipline in educational institutions and the misuse of technology as key factors drawing young people into criminal activity.
Additional Superintendent of Police Abu Tayyab Md Arif Hossain said police had intensified intelligence gathering and anti-crime drives across the district.
“Regular operations are being conducted against individuals involved in teen gangs, drug trafficking and organised crime. We are also preparing a database of gang members and criminal operatives and will take legal action against them wherever they are found,” he said.
Despite these assurances, residents say temporary crackdowns are not enough. They are calling for a comprehensive long-term strategy to address the root causes of crime and dismantle the networks behind the violence.
Many fear that unless decisive action is taken against the district’s increasingly adaptable criminal groups, Noakhali’s law and order situation could deteriorate even further.
