We are alarmed at the growing menace of teen gang violence in different parts of the country, especially in Manikganj where things have been particularly disturbing. According to some recent reports, clashes between teen gangs have become quite common in the district city and nearby regions. Just over the past month, there have been at least five violent incidents in the town, as per locals. For instance, about 30-40 members of teen gangs, armed with machetes and Chinese axes, ran amok on the streets last Tuesday, following what appeared to be an internal feud among the groups. Several students were injured. While police have made a number of arrests and filed cases in connection with these incidents, their lack of effect suggests that the root of the problem lies deeper—and reactive law enforcement alone cannot solve it.

These teenagers often come from lower- or middle-income families; some are school dropouts, while others are still enrolled but heavily disengaged from academic activities. Often, members of the gangs are seen roaming the streets, creating panic through open displays of weapons, engaging in turf wars, and harassing female students. Their involvement in drugs, “senior-junior” rivalries, and romantic disputes has also been reported. The teen gang culture is usually attributed to children’s exposure to political exploitation during Awami League’s 15-year rule, when Chhatra League formed its units even at the school level, drawing teenagers into street politics and creating a breeding ground for gang activities. Other political groups also provided patronage. That said, we must also acknowledge the influence of persistent social tensions and lack of parental supervision, which combined to create a climate where young minds easily find validation in violence.

While the Awami League’s fall on August 5 brought a temporary lull in the teen gang culture, it has surged again in recent months, with violent activities reported in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur, Cumilla, and Chandpur early this week. This suggests that successive political actors have been either reluctant to confront this issue or interested in exploiting it, as teen gangs—with their potential for street-level muscle—can be used to extend influence on the ground. And this situation, we fear, may worsen with the approach of the next elections.

But given its long-term effect on the future of the nation, it is vital that we address the teen gang culture with the seriousness it deserves. There is an evident need for awareness, especially of parents, as well as community support, safe recreational spaces, and quality education for our young men so that they can direct their energy to constructive things. Political parties also must stop providing patronage to teenagers for their own gain. We all must understand that we risk losing an entire generation to violence if we fail to act now.