By Pamelia Riviere, Dhaka :
Who should we hold accountable for the troubling rise of youth gangsters in Bangladesh? Is it the parents, the government, or the political parties responsible for these escalating crimes?
Over the past six months, Bangladesh has been engulfed in widespread violence and chaos, primarily instigated by youth groups linked to various political factions. These factions have mobilized young individuals, who are now engaging in a range of criminal activities, including violent confrontations and organized robberies.
Business owners and shopkeepers in urban centers, particularly in Dhaka and Chattogram, are increasingly falling victim to these gangs, suffering not only financial losses but also threats to their safety and well-being. As the situation escalates, public frustration has reached a boiling point; reports indicate a significant rise in street harassment, particularly targeting women, who are often ambushed in broad daylight, having their bags and valuables forcibly taken from them.
The climate of fear has particularly affected communities, leading to a pervasive sense of insecurity that stifles economic activity and undermines social cohesion. Witnesses have described harrowing incidents of violence, including daylight murders that have shocked onlookers and left a lasting impression on local neighborhoods.
My deep concern lies in the demographics of Bangladesh’s youth population, which is alarmingly high for such a small country. This burgeoning youth cohort, teeming with potential, appears to be one of the most neglected segments of society.
If the Bangladesh government continues to overlook the pressing needs of these young individuals, the country could face dire consequences, transforming Bangladesh into an unsafe environment reminiscent of El Salvador. The safety and security of countless Bangladeshis hang in the balance.
At this crucial juncture, it appears the interim government is preoccupied with establishing a student political party, a move that may sow further discord and pave the way for chaos in the nation.
Reflecting on the previous administration, which held power for 15 long years, I can’t help but wonder why initiatives weren’t implemented to engage illiterate and school drop-out youth in the workforce.
It represents a significant missed opportunity that the former Prime Minister, who governed for an extended period of 15 years, did not prioritize initiatives aimed at integrating the illiterate and school drop-out youth into the workforce. With a staggering 15 percent of the population falling within the critical 15 to 30 age demographics, there is an urgent need for decisive action within the next five years to harness the potential of this vibrant group.
Since the revolutionary upheaval on 24th July, Bangladesh has been ensnared in a relentless cycle of violence, marked by tragic incidents of killings, brazen robberies, physical assaults, and heinous acts of sexual violence.
It is particularly troubling that various political factions are exploiting this youthful demographic, engaging them as pawns in their violent confrontations. The challenges faced by the police and army in maintaining law and order in Bangladesh are compounded by the pervasive influence of youth gangs, which have become deeply intertwined with political agendas.
Let’s urge action for youth engagement
Use these ideas to urge the government to address youth violence and unemployment issues. The interim government must confront this alarming situation with the utmost urgency. This can be achieved by implementing strategic measures that prevent these groups from further involvement in political machinations and by facilitating their meaningful entry into the workforce, thereby redirecting their energy and potential towards constructive endeavors.
With the support of over 1,000 NGOs, the vibrant garment sector, and various other industries, a golden opportunity existed to harness these valuable human resources.
Many of these young individuals, burdened by poverty and socio-economic challenges, desperately need financial assistance to navigate an increasingly complex, technology-driven world. Frustration stemming from their meager circumstances often drives them toward illegal activities as they struggle to meet their basic needs.
Moreover, this demographic has become an asset, albeit a perilous one, for numerous political parties. They are frequently exploited to carry out illicit activities on behalf of these organizations.
To counter this troubling trend, I propose the interim government consider banning student political involvement, shielding students from the distractions of politics during their educational pursuits.
However, there remains a window of opportunity to redirect these youths back onto a constructive path, with collaboration from the government and various stakeholders to create a brighter future for our nation.
Dr. Pamelia Riviere is a freelance writer and analyst