New Delhi, Dec 1 (NationPress) Bangladesh is experiencing a notable surge in its criminal underworld, where violence and extortion are becoming commonplace. Following the unrest in 2024 that resulted in the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina administration, the nation has been engulfed in turmoil.

While the security forces in Bangladesh were preoccupied with managing the chaos, a significant expansion of a vast criminal network occurred. Numerous police stations and outposts in Dhaka were systematically looted by members of prominent gangs. These criminals seized SMGs, LMGs, pistols, shotguns, and Chinese rifles, which were subsequently transported to the Geneva Camp and Pallabi Bihari Camp—now recognized as major hubs for illicit activities.

Reports from intelligence agencies indicate that these gangs are heavily involved in drug trafficking, theft, and extortion. Several youth gangs within these organizations are engaged in extensive drug transactions and coercive practices.

Officials reveal that these gangs are not a new phenomenon; they have existed for a long time but were kept in check by Hasina's administration. However, since the fall of her government on August 5, 2024, these gangs have re-emerged and are currently flourishing in Dhaka due to decreased oversight.

Another official voiced concerns about the open operation of these gangs, stating that they face minimal restrictions. While there appears to be some political support for these groups, the reality is that Dhaka's security framework is overwhelmed and unable to effectively address this issue. The nation is gearing up for a critical election, and security forces are focused on ensuring a smooth electoral process, allowing these gangs to thrive in densely populated areas like the Bihari camps.

Indian intelligence agencies assert that the rise of such gangs poses risks not only to Bangladesh's security but also to India's national safety. Beyond engaging in drug trafficking and extortion, these gangs have established permanent bomb-making facilities in Sectors 4 and 7 of the Geneva Camp.

These facilities are referred to as secret kitchens for bomb manufacturing by Bangladeshi authorities. Officials in New Delhi caution that these secret kitchens represent a significant security threat, as these gangs lack the ideological motivations characteristic of established terrorist organizations in Bangladesh.

Agencies such as the ISI may seek to leverage these gangs' capabilities. They could produce bombs in substantial quantities for financial gain. The ISI is likely to acquire these explosives and distribute them to terror factions operating within Bangladesh.

Pakistan has ambitious plans in Bangladesh following the fall of the Hasina government, primarily aimed at undermining India. They have dispatched ISI and military officials to Dhaka to engage with leaders of terror groups. The ISI aims to facilitate cooperation between terror organizations in Bangladesh and Pakistan, even sending high-ranking members of Lashkar-e-Taiba to train and coordinate with factions like Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HuJI) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JuMB).

Plans are also underway to send Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed to Bangladesh shortly. Although Bangladeshi police are attempting to clamp down on these gangs, their efforts have met with limited success. Many believe these gangs receive political backing, raising concerns as elections draw near.

A stable and peaceful Bangladesh is vital for India. New Delhi is eager to reset relations with Dhaka, and achieving this requires a peaceful and transparent electoral process. There are fears of potential violence during the elections scheduled for February, with some politicians likely to exploit these gangs for protection.

Officials warn that given the vast arsenal these gangs possess and their established networks, there is a significant risk that vested interests may employ them to disrupt Bangladesh's elections.