DMP reports indicate that while many of these gangs were previously controlled by individuals linked to the Awami League, patronage has shifted to current ruling political leaders.
Representational image. Photo: UNB
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Representational image. Photo: UNB
Law enforcement agencies are gearing up for a massive drive against youth gangs, extortionists, and drug dealers across the capital, as recent Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) data reveals 122 active criminal groups operating in the city.
The move comes amid escalating concern over gang violence and intelligence reports detailing political patronage of criminal networks.
Infographic:TBS
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Infographic:TBS
On 12 April 2026, Emon Hossain alias Alex Emon, leader of the Mohammadpur-based “Alex Group”, who faced 18 criminal cases, was hacked to death in public. Top criminal Imamul Hasan Helal, alias Picchi Helal, was named as an accused in the murder case.
Later on 15 September, Farhad, leader of the “Patali Group” – allegedly operating on instructions from Picchi Helal – was shot and hacked to death inside a salon in Arshinagar, Keraniganj.
DMP reports indicate that while many of these gangs were previously controlled by individuals linked to the Awami League, patronage has shifted to current ruling political leaders.
Mirpur leads in volume, Tejgaon in violence
According to DMP figures, Mirpur Division hosts the highest concentration of criminal groups at 32, followed by Tejgaon Division with 30.
The remaining gangs are spread across Wari (13), Gulshan (11), Lalbagh (10), Uttara (10), Motijheel (10), and Ramna (6).
While Mirpur tops the count in sheer group numbers, Tejgaon division’s Mohammadpur zone has emerged as the most lethal battleground.
Since August 2024, at least 26 people have been killed in gang-related clashes in Mohammadpur alone.
To curb the rising bloodshed, law enforcement has intensified counter-operations. Tejgaon Division Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Ibne Mizan noted that block raids in targeted criminal hotspots have been increased from once or twice a week to almost every other day.
In DMP’s Mirpur division, 14 of the 32 identified gangs operate within the Pallabi police station area alone, followed by 6 in Darus Salam.
Police intelligence sources identified two rising threats in Mirpur, Mamun Bahini and Five Star Group, active in grabbing land and businesses, extorting construction firms, footpath businesses, markets, slums, garment factories and jhut (garment waste) trade in Pallabi, Rupnagar, and Vasantek.
Mirpur DC Hasan Mohammad Naser Rikabder said that special operations are ongoing in vulnerable areas and strict instructions have been issued to police officers to curb youth gang activity and extortion.
Govt pledges tougher stance
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir instructed top officials to enforce the law strictly without considering party identity.
“A criminal’s only identity is that he is a criminal,” the IGP said, calling for strict drug enforcement supported by community policing.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed echoed.
“Wherever terrorists hide, they will be rooted out. No terrorists, drug dealers, or extortionists will find any refuge in the country,” he told The Business Standard.
“Whoever commits a crime or sponsors criminals – regardless of their political affiliation – must be brought to justice,” the minister added.
Police high-ups reinforced this directive during a high-level meeting at Police Headquarters on 29 September.
DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said, “We have zero tolerance for drugs and youth gangs. However, police alone cannot eradicate this issue; public cooperation is essential. We want to build Dhaka into a safe, terror-free city.”
Meanwhile, Additional IGP (Crime & Operations) Md Sayedur Rahman directed officials to focus on intelligence gathering to identify and take action against influential figures operating behind these youth gangs.
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