TMSS Medical College Journal

Background: Juvenile delinquency is a recognized social dysfunction in Bangladesh, yet a significant portion of teenagers involved in drug abuse, drug trafficking, gang violence, and other criminal activities often remain unnoticed and overlooked. This study seeks to investigate the backgrounds of these marginalized youths, focusing on fctors such as their socio-cconomic status, family dynamics, neglect in upbringing, detachment from education, involvement in illegal activities, and associations with political groups or negative peer influences. Objective: This study aims to identify the factors associated with juvenile delinquency among teenage drug users in Bogura Sadar, Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 20, 2024 to November 30, 2024 among the teen ages (13 10 19 years of age) of different sites and socio-economic classes of Bogura Sadar, Bogura. With the assistance of a locally influential figure and Elder Brother (popularly known as Borovai), the researcher identified teenagers already known for unlawful activities such as drug use, gang conflicts, reckless motorcycle riding, irregular school attendance, dropout behavior, and involvement in kishor gang culture. A total of 117 participants were purposively selected, and data were collected on a random basis. Respondents were interviewed individually using a pre-tested open-ended questionnaire, after being assured of their safety, anonymity, and right to withdraw from the study at any time. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Conclusion: This study highlights alarming trends of juvenile delinquency in Bogura Sadar, with adolescents as young as 13 involved in drug-related activities. The major associated factors include school dropout, family neglect, and protection by influential individuals. There is an urgent need for comprehensive interventions encompassing educational reform, strengthened parental involvement, targeted anti-drug initiatives, enhanced law enforcement, vocational training opportunities, and active community engagement.

Addressing teenage offenses has become a highly rational and urgent issue in our country, as these problems are escalating due to rising drug-related crimes, substance abuse, social unrest, and related challenges. Bangladesh is a rapidly emerging developing nation in South Asia, aiming to achieve developed country status by 2041. However, this transition is being hindered by numerous national and global challenges-cconomic, climatic, pandemic- related, and political, Among these, the increasing rate of juvenile offenses has taken a dangerous tur in the form of “Kishor Gang” culture, now prevalent across the country and contributing to serious law and order crises that threaten national progress.” It is essential to emphasize that the future of the country rests in the hands of today’s children, who are the leaders of tomorrow. Therefore, this issue demands serious attention, focused research, and comprehensive intervention strategies. Teen gang culture in Bangladesh, locally called Kishor Gangs, encompasses the presence and activities of organized youth gangs primarily composed of teenagers involved in various criminal undertakings within urban areas of the country.