In light of the shifting political landscape, joint forces are actively operating across the country. Thousands of drug dealers continue to operate at over 300 locations in Dhaka, even under the heavy presence of law enforcement. Notably, in the Geneva camps of Mohammadpur and Pallabi, drug dealers move openly, making these areas havens for illicit activities. Sources claim drug traffickers have stockpiled weapons to assert dominance in these regions, where violent incidents, including murders, occasionally occur.
Crime analysts warn that drugs are leading many youths astray, contributing to a rise in criminal activity. Law enforcement must intensify efforts to address this growing threat.
Reports from local residents indicate that drug trafficking remains rampant, particularly at night when police presence is sparse. Residents, fearful of retaliation due to the drug dealers’ access to firearms, have expressed concerns but hesitate to speak out. Some have confirmed that dealing continues unabated in the Geneva camp streets, where the absence of regular patrols allows traffickers to operate with impunity.
Currently, the capital’s drug trade is dominated by 57 criminal groups, with seven of them controlling the Mohammadpur Geneva camp. These groups have over 300 members, led by at least 65 prominent drug lords. The group is led by Arshad, Picchi Raja, Shahzada, Bara Raja, Pelu Armaan, and Munna. They have more than 65 members. The other group is controlled by Bhangari Arju, Tota, Kamran, Saju, Adil, and Faizan. They have at least 47 members.
Another group was led by Bunya Sohail, Rana, Tuntun, Kamal, Kala, Shahid, and Rabbani. They also have more than 53 members. Apart from this, another group is led by Gal Kata Manu, Shah Alam, Imtiaz, Akram, Chaura Janu, Billu, Sabu, Basir, and Irrfan. They also have more than 61 members. Another group was led by Babu, Saddam, Manu, Mofiz, Suman, Raju, Nadeem, and Jambu. Police said that most of them have not been caught yet.
According to RAB-Police sources, strict surveillance of multiple teams is going on in Geneva camp. They were immediately arrested after receiving information about drug dealing. In the last 15 days, 195 people have been arrested from Geneva camp and surrounding areas. Along with this, an anti-drug campaign is being conducted in the camp. Despite that, drugs cannot be eradicated from the camp.
According to the police, at least 65 percent of the people in the camp are directly or indirectly involved in drugs. Recently, on the night of November 14, Raj alias Iqbal, a member of the top drug dealer Bunia Sohail group, was killed by a cocktail bomb in a clash between two groups in the camp.
On the surface, it was seen that Mohammadpur Geneva camp drug dealing was open, but after a short break for a few days, drug dealing was going on openly in the camp again. Ghaznavi Road, Babar Road, Shahjahan Road, Humayun Road surrounding the camp have police camps, checkpoints and presence of law and order forces. However, the people living in the camp are not heeding the activities of the law and order forces.
Ruhul Kabir Khan, Deputy Commissioner of Tejgaon Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police said, "Special operations of joint forces are continuing in Mohammadpur Geneva Camp and surrounding areas. Most drug dealers are teenage gang members. There are three to 25 cases against each of the arrested. He claimed that criminal activities in Mohammadpur are under control due to the operation.
According to sources in the Directorate of Drug Control (DNC), six areas of the capital have been identified as drug red zones. The red zone includes Mohammadpur's Geneva Camp, Mohakhali's Karail Slum, Kalshi Bihari Camp, Karwan Bazar, Khilgaon, and Jatrabari. Apart from this, the entire capital is in the list of yellow and green zones.
Meanwhile, various areas of Jatrabari of the capital are also under the severe threat of drugs. Especially in the area behind the market near Jatrabari intersection, the Murgir Goli of Madhyapara Kancha Bazar, Chandankotha, Tanpara, Vidyut Goli, the traffic of drug addicts and sellers has increased. Even from nearby Gandaria, Dhupkhola, Jurain, teenagers are thronging these areas in search of drugs.
Local residents claim that a leader of the youth organization of a political party is controlling drugs in Jatrabari. It is known that various types of drugs are entering Dhaka through different border areas of the country despite the operation of the joint forces. Various drugs are constantly entering the capital by road, river, sea and air. DNC Officer (Operations and Intelligence) Tanveer Mumtaz told this reporter, "The operation against drug dealers is continuing. Its success has already been seen. Efforts are being made to control drug dealers through raids, arrests and cases.
DMP Media and Public Relations Department Deputy Police Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman announced that two temporary camps have been established in the Geneva Camp area to combat drug-related crimes. Regular foot patrols and block raids are being conducted to maintain control.
SPGRC General Secretary M. Shawkat Ali noted that drug trafficking has been rampant in the camp for an extended period. He pointed out that residents, deprived of basic civic amenities, often resort to criminal activities like drug trafficking in their struggle for survival.
DMP Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime and Operations) Israel Howlader confirmed that clashes had occurred between rival drug groups in the Geneva camp, with reports of weapons entering the area through various means. He emphasized that ongoing intelligence operations and law enforcement efforts are aimed at preventing further violence and apprehending the criminals involved.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
