Mohammadpur has turned into a sanctuary for crime, with teenage gangs operating brazenly, conducting muggings, and brandishing weapons in broad daylight.
These groups, clad in black attire, are frequently seen patrolling the streets in large numbers, terrorising residents and extorting businesses.
The situation has escalated to such an extent that these gangs have shown open defiance against security forces, resisting operations launched to curb their activities.
In a dramatic escalation, a gunfight broke out late on Wednesday night in Mohammadpur’s Chand Udyan area when joint forces confronted a group of teenage gangsters.
According to police and local sources, security personnel had received intelligence about a planned mugging and moved in to intervene.
However, the gang members took strategic positions on rooftops and fired several rounds at the law enforcers, prompting a retaliatory response.
The clash resulted in the deaths of two known gangsters.
This marks the first instance of fatalities in law enforcement operations within the area, despite several previous crackdowns.
Gangs re-emerge despite military presence
Speaking to the press, local residents stated that the establishment of a military camp initially led to a temporary decline in criminal activities.
However, in the past two months, gang violence has surged once again in several pockets of Mohammadpur, including Chand Udyan, Dhaka Udyan, Basila Beribadh, Adabor, Geneva Camp, and Nabodoy Housing.
On Thursday, a visit to Chand Udyan’s Loubazar area, specifically Road 6, revealed the site of the deadly shootout— a two-storey tin-roofed house, where residents remain gripped by fear despite continued patrols by security forces.
Locals described how gang members, usually in groups of 20 to 25, roam the streets armed with sharp weapons and firearms, aiming to establish dominance and extort businesses.
Operation to continue
Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the home affairs adviser, recently declared that the special "Operation Devil Hunt"— launched on 8 February— would persist as long as these "devils" remained active.
Commenting on the latest raid, Mohammadpur Police Inspector (Investigation) Hafizur Rahman told the press: “The incident at Chand Udyan was part of a routine crackdown. Two criminals, Jumman and Miraj, were shot dead during the gunfight.”
He added that law and order in Mohammadpur had significantly deteriorated following the government’s fall, but regular operations had helped curtail criminal activities.
In the past month alone, Mohammadpur police have recorded around 107 cases and arrested 600 individuals, mostly on charges of theft, mugging, and violent assaults.
Slums: Breeding ground for criminal gangs?
According to law enforcement, Mohammadpur is home to approximately 50 slums, which they claim have become epicentres of crime.
“These slums are a festering wound for Mohammadpur, contributing significantly to the surge in criminal activities. However, we are relentless in our crackdown— no one committing crimes will be spared,” a senior police official asserted.
Residents live in fear
Following the gunfight, fear has spread throughout Chand Udyan and neighbouring areas, with many residents feeling increasingly unsafe.
Local shopkeeper Kamal recounted his harrowing experience with gangsters: “Just a few days ago, about 20 young men stormed into my shop. One of them held a machete to my throat while the others looted cash and goods. We live in constant fear— whenever we spot them coming, we shut down our shops.”
Similarly, Rahima Begum, a long-time resident, described the terror inflicted by these gangs: “They arrive in groups of 20 to 25, all dressed in black, carrying machetes, knives, and even guns. Sometimes, they fire shots into the air just to spread fear. They snatch mobile phones, money, and valuables from pedestrians.”
Expressing deep concern, she added: “We no longer allow our children to go to school alone. I barely leave the house unless absolutely necessary— and never at night. We need security. We want to live without fear.”
‘It cannot go on like this’
Julhas, the caretaker of the tin-roofed house where the gunfight occurred, told reporters that residents were relieved by the deaths of Jumman and Miraj, as they had long tormented the community with theft, robbery, and violent assaults.
“I heard the gunfire and rushed outside. The gangsters were on the second floor, shooting at the security forces relentlessly. The exchange lasted for over an hour before the situation was brought under control. When the firing stopped, we found two of them dead,” he said.
“This lawlessness cannot continue. We demand security.”
ISPR’s statement on the operation
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement on Thursday afternoon, explaining the circumstances of the operation.
According to ISPR, joint forces acted upon intelligence that a gang was preparing for a mugging in Chand Udyan. During the raid, security personnel surrounded the gang from both sides of an alley, but the criminals opened fire from the rooftop of a single-storey house.
In self-defence, the security forces returned fire, resulting in two fatalities and the capture of five gang members, along with weapons.
The ISPR further confirmed the recovery of a pistol, four rounds of ammunition, and a machete from the detained individuals, who have since been handed over to Mohammadpur police for legal proceedings.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring public safety and pledged continued operations against criminal elements in the area.
