Police in Chattogram say the gang of fugitive top criminal Sajjad Ali Khan, known as Boro Sajjad, systematically recruited disadvantaged teenagers and young people with small cash payments. In a report published on August 2, police said recruits were initially paid Tk500 or Tk1,000 for minor crimes before being gradually drawn into weapons use, extortion, assaults and attempted killings.

District police officials said the group targeted youths living on pavements, waste pickers, day labourers, school dropouts, unemployed people and those raised in risky environments. Initial tasks included accompanying armed members, conducting surveillance and intimidating people during extortion demands. Police said recruits were also allegedly used to throw bricks, detonate cocktails, create fear from motorcycles and vandalise premises when business owners refused to pay. Chittagong University assistant professor Moumita Pal said criminal groups exploit the financial vulnerability of poor and helpless adolescents.

Police allege that recently arrested Mobarak Hossain, also known as David Iman, played a key role in recruiting members, coordinating attacks and distributing money. The network was run through small cells across Chattogram city and district, with members often not knowing one another personally. Police said replacements were recruited and given progressively greater responsibilities when older members were killed, arrested or left the group.