Special Correspondent:
The violence of teenage gangs in Gaibandha has taken a horrific turn. They are ganging up to stop pedestrians, snatching mobile phones and wallets, and taking them to secluded places to extort ransom. It has been alleged that these gang members, under the local umbrella, are becoming more reckless day by day, but no effective initiative is being seen from the administration.
The teenage gang did not spare the journalist either. Yesterday, on the evening of 17.02.25, journalist Masum Parvez was attacked by a teenage gang in a busy area of Gaibandha city. It is learned that on his way home after work, some teenagers surrounded him and threatened him with weapons and took away his mobile phone. Later, they took him to a secluded place and demanded ransom. He was released after collecting a certain amount of money.
Victim journalist Masum Parvez said, "On my way back from the office, a few teenagers suddenly surrounded me. First they took my mobile phone, then they took me to a secluded place. Later they demanded money from my family. After I sent the money, I was released."
The common people are in panic, the administration is silent!
Common people complain that there is extreme panic in the city due to the rampage of teenage gangs. No one, shopkeepers, students, or employees, is safe. It has become difficult to move around on the streets after evening.
A passerby said,
"We are terrified whenever we go out on the streets. You never know when someone will snatch your bag or mobile phone. Every day, someone or the other falls victim to them."
What are the police saying?
When I tried to contact the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gaibandha Sadar Police Station regarding this matter, he did not answer the phone.
What is important to do to get rid of it:
1. Regular police patrols should be increased - strict surveillance should be maintained in crime-prone areas.
2. Installation of CCTV cameras – CCTVs should be installed in important places to identify criminals.
3. Parents should be vigilant - Families should take the initiative to prevent teenagers from going down the path of crime.
4. Launching an emergency helpline - Arrangements must be made so that the common people can get help from the police quickly.
5. Media and citizen engagement – Social movements must be built to put pressure on the administration.
The people of Gaibandha are now waiting for effective action from the administration. It is feared that if urgent action is not taken, the juvenile gangs will become even more dangerous.
Masum Parvez
Sadullapur, Gaibandha.
