RAB vows to eradicate teen gangs from Mohammadpur, Basila

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has vowed to eliminate any presence of teen gangs in the Mohammadpur, Basila areas, stating that previous local ward councillors had been nurturing and supporting them.

"The teenage gangs have now become uncontrollable due to the absence of the two ward councillors," Commanding Office (CO) of RAB-2 battalion Additional DIG Md Khalidul Haque Howlader said at a media briefing held at the RAB media center in Karwan Bazarin the city this afternoon.

Commanding officer of the RAB-2 said the teenage gang members did not form overnight. 

"They grew under the patronage and shelter of influential figures and eventually rose to positions of power within the criminal network," he said.

"Had it not been for political patronage, these criminals would not have emerged as they did today. However, we have not yet identified any political affiliations among those involved in robbery and snatching," he added.

Additional DIG Md Khalidul Haque highlighted that two former Ward Councillors Asif and Tarek had played a pivotal role in nurturing and supporting these criminal groups in the past. 

"Due to their backing, Geneva Camp had turned into a 'mini cantonment' of teen gangs, he said."

He said RAB has already dismantled this stronghold ensuring that there is no longer a "godfather" figure in the camp. 

While there is still some drug activity, the RAB commander assured that operations would continue to maintain peace and order in the area.

Regarding recent incidents of crime in Mohammadpur, he said the two former ward councillors may have been involved in such incidents.

He emphasised the councillors were responsible for the rise of the teenage gangs, and their absence has allowed the gangsters to act more recklessly. 

"However, the teen gang members are reportedly now involved in power struggles among themselves," he added.