Syndicates and Societies
Criminal Politics in Dhaka

This book reveals how criminal 'syndicates' in Bangladesh are often organised politically, and how this shapes everyday life.

David Jackman (Author)

9781009442305, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 6 March 2025

224 pages
23.3 x 15.9 x 2.1 cm, 0.46 kg

When you work on the streets of Dhaka, crime is part of everyday life. Rackets are ubiquitous, political muscle widespread, and territory often fought over. Locals refer to the syndicate that lie behind the façade of the city, controlling who works where, how services are delivered and who profits. Based on years of research Syndicates and Societies reveals how syndicates shape life in Kawran Bazar, the largest marketplace in Bangladesh, and offers a new approach to understanding the nexus of crime and politics. The book traces the bazar's history from a heartland of gangsters to being dominated by ruling party leaders and state officials. It follows a group of labourers as they seek a place in this world, aligning themselves to leaders, orchestrating bombings and fighting off rivals. Syndicates and Societies thus explores the relationship between crime and order, revealing a world of extortionists and informers, political muscle and union leaders.

Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. A Dhaka Serai
2. The Years of Terror
3. Chanda/baji
4. Labour Lords
5. Fighting for Carrots
6. (Not So) Friendly Societies
7. When Crime is Order
Glossary
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Sociology [JHB]