A brutal killing in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, has been linked by local sources to a violent turf war over control of extortion from roadside footpath businesses, although police have officially described the incident as a conflict over dominance rather than explicitly confirming allegations of organised collection of illegal tolls.
The victim, Emon Hossain—also known locally as “Alex Emon”—was reportedly a leader of a youth gang operating in the Mohammadpur–Bashila area. He was killed in what witnesses described as a coordinated and exceptionally violent attack, amid escalating tensions between rival groups vying for influence in the area.
Rivalry Over Footpath Control
According to multiple local accounts, the dispute centred on control of a lucrative stretch of footpath between Allah Karim Mosque and the Beribadh Three-Road intersection in Mohammadpur. The area reportedly hosts nearly 300 makeshift shops, which allegedly pay daily fees ranging between BDT 150 and 200.
Residents claim that rival groups—one associated with “Kaillya Badal” and the other led by Emon—had been competing for dominance over the collection network. Locals allege that the earnings from the area could amount to several million taka monthly, making it a highly contested source of income.
One shopkeeper, speaking anonymously, said the situation had recently deteriorated sharply. “Earlier only one group would collect money. For the last two to three months, both sides started coming separately. One would demand money in Emon’s name, the other in Badal’s name. That is when fear spread among us,” he said.
Cycle of Violence and Escalation
Local reports suggest that tensions escalated into repeated clashes over recent months. A video circulating from approximately two weeks before the killing allegedly shows members of the Kaillya Badal group openly collecting money from shops while traders complied without resistance.
On Sunday afternoon, the conflict reportedly turned violent near Pabna Goli in Rayerbazar, where Emon’s associates allegedly attacked members of the opposing group, forcing them to flee. Roughly an hour later, a larger group—reportedly armed with sharp weapons—returned in retaliation.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of extreme brutality, stating that Emon was hacked indiscriminately, with parts of his limbs severed during the attack.
Arrests and Police Action
Following the incident, police arrested four individuals in connection with the killing. Those detained include Saif, Tuhin, Rabbi Kazi, and later Suman. Authorities recovered three machetes, a cutter blade, and a metal plate believed to have been used during the attack.
Police officials have described those arrested as known offenders with previous criminal involvement. However, they maintain that the primary motive relates to “establishing dominance” rather than explicitly confirming extortion-related rivalry.
Criminal Backgrounds and Counterclaims
Officials also confirmed that the deceased, Emon, had multiple prior cases against him, including at least 18 criminal allegations involving serious offences.
Mohammadpur Police, however, have stated that they are not officially verifying claims that the conflict stemmed from extortion activities in the footpath market, despite consistent allegations from local residents.
Family Statement and Legal Case
Emon’s mother, Ferdousi, has filed a murder case at Mohammadpur Police Station naming 21 individuals in connection with the killing.
Emon originally hailed from Chandrapur village under Palong Police Station in Shariatpur district and had been living with his family in the Italibari area of Rayerbazar, Mohammadpur.
Previous Clashes Highlight Longstanding Tensions
Local residents further claim that earlier violence had already marked the rivalry. On 21 February, two associates of Emon’s group were reportedly injured in a machete attack linked to the opposing faction. A case filed in that incident allegedly led to arrests by law enforcement, during which one suspect reportedly admitted during preliminary questioning that the dispute involved control over illegal earnings.
Police Investigation Ongoing
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Tejgaon Division, Juel Rana, confirmed that the killing was linked to a broader struggle for local influence. He said four arrests had been made so far and that operations are continuing to apprehend other suspects involved in the attack.
Authorities say investigations remain ongoing as they attempt to determine the full structure of the rival groups and the sequence of events that led to the killing.
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