In a significant blow to the local criminal underworld, the self-styled leader of the infamous ‘Tension’ teenage gang has been apprehended in Narayanganj. Raisul Islam Simanto, a figure synonymous with street-level violence and extortion in the Siddhirganj area, was detained by a vigilant group of local citizens on Saturday evening before being handed over to the authorities.
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The Apprehension at Ward No. 2
The incident occurred at approximately 8:00 PM on 14 February 2026 in the Mouchak area, located within Ward No. 2 of the Narayanganj City Corporation. According to eyewitness accounts, Simanto was spotted by a group of residents who had long lived under the shadow of his gang’s intimidation.
In a rare display of collective public defiance, the crowd intercepted Simanto. Reports suggest he was subjected to a “severe beating” by the agitated mob before the local police intervened to take him into custody. Simanto’s pedigree in local politics is notable; he is the eldest son of Shafiqul Islam Shafiq, a candidate for the presidency of the Siddhirganj Thana unit of the Sechchasebak League.
A Litany of Allegations
The scale of Simanto’s criminal activities is extensive. Following his arrest, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Siddhirganj Police Station, Abdul Barik, confirmed that the suspect is a primary accused in a staggering number of cases.
While the police are still categorising the full extent of his rap sheet, the preliminary investigation has linked him to at least 18 formal cases. These include:
Homicide: Involvement in several killings during the recent anti-discrimination student movement.
Attempted Murder: Coordinated attacks on political rivals and dissenting locals.
Extortion and Terror: Maintaining a “reign of terror” throughout Siddhirganj via his teenage gang.
Political Patronage and the ‘Tension’ Group
Local sources and investigative reports suggest that during the tenure of the Awami League government, Simanto and his ‘Tension’ group enjoyed the direct patronage of Shamim Osman, the former Member of Parliament for Narayanganj-4. This political protection reportedly allowed the gang to operate with near-total impunity, recruiting local youths and using them to enforce political will through violence.
| Suspect Profile | Details |
| Name | Raisul Islam Simanto |
| Gang Alias | Leader of the ‘Tension’ Group |
| Parentage | Son of Shafiqul Islam Shafiq (Sechchasebak League) |
| Total Cases | 18+ (Preliminary count) |
| Key Charges | Murder, Attempted Murder, Violent Terror |
| Arresting Authority | Siddhirganj Thana (following public detention) |
Legal Proceedings
The police are currently compiling a definitive list of all pending warrants against Simanto. Given the severity of the charges—particularly those relating to the killing of students during the July-August uprising—it is expected that he will be produced before the court with a substantial remand prayer. The capture of such a high-profile “gang lord” is viewed by the local community as a crucial step in dismantling the culture of political thuggery that has plagued Narayanganj for years.