This data is provided by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), which is in charge of maintaining law and order in Dhaka city. What is even more shocking is that these teenage gangs have the support of local public representatives or ward councilors.
Prothom Alo’s report quoting the DMP mentions the names of 21 councillors. There is no guarantee that the gang has no other patrons apart from these 21.
Local government bodies were previously elected on a non-partisan basis. Supporters and leaders of all parties participated there. But since local elections started being held under party symbols, the opposition party’s representation in both the posts of mayor and councilor in these bodies started decreasing.
Now 95 percent of the councilors of Dhaka city belong to the ruling party. Therefore, just as they take credit for the development of the region, they will also have to take responsibility for their misdeeds.
Although the accused councilors claim their innocence, information shows their rapprochement with juvenile criminal gangs. When criminals are accused they often defend them. These criminals are not only involved in extortion, but are also involved in murder, robbery, drug trade and usurping land and houses. Victims file lawsuits but when they do not get any treatment, they are beaten up. In 2023 alone, there have been reports of alleged involvement of teenage gangs in at least 25 murders in Dhaka city.