NEW DELHI: Bangladesh is witnessing a sharp rise in the criminal ecosystem where violence and extortion have become a new normal. During the 2024 unrest, which led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, violence engulfed the country.
While the security agencies in Bangladesh were busy controlling the mobs, a silent rise of a massive criminal ecosystem took place. Police stations and outposts in Dhaka were heavily looted by criminals part of major gangs. The gang members indulged in looting SMGs, LMGs, pistols, shotguns and Chinese rifles. These weapons were transported to the Geneva Camp and Pallabi Bihari Camp. These camps have now turned into major hubs for the underworld.
Intelligence agencies report that those part of these gangs have been indulging in a drug trade, loot and extortion. Many teenage gangs within these groups are indulging in large-scale drug deals and extortion, the agencies have learnt.
Officials say that these gangs are not new. They were always present, but were kept under check by the previous dispensation under Hasina. However, post the August 5, 2024, fall of the Hasina government, these gangs resurfaced and today, owing to proper scrutiny, they have been thriving in Dhaka, an official said.