Mohammadpur Turf War Killing Sparks Police Crackdown

A violent killing in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area has been linked by local sources to an escalating turf conflict over control of earnings from roadside footpath businesses, raising renewed concerns about organised criminal influence in informal commercial zones. Police, however, have described the incident more cautiously as a clash rooted in local dominance disputes, without formally confirming allegations of systematic extortion.

The victim, Emon Hossain—widely known by the alias “Alex Emon”—was identified as a prominent figure within a youth group operating in the Mohammadpur–Bashila corridor. He was killed in what witnesses described as a coordinated and unusually brutal attack amid intensifying rivalry between competing factions seeking control over the same territory.

Dispute Over High-Value Footpath Zone

According to multiple local accounts, the dispute centred on a densely populated stretch of footpath between Allah Karim Mosque and the Beribadh Three-Road intersection. The area is understood to host approximately 300 informal shops, which residents allege are required to pay daily contributions ranging from BDT 150 to 200.

Locals claim two rival groups—one associated with “Kaillya Badal” and the other led by Emon—had been competing for control of the area’s informal collection system. Some residents estimate that the total monthly turnover from such payments could reach several million taka, making it a highly contested and profitable zone.

One shopkeeper, speaking on condition of anonymity, described a deteriorating situation in recent months. “Earlier, only one group collected money. But over the past few months, both groups started appearing separately. One would demand money in Emon’s name, the other in Badal’s name. That is when fear started spreading,” he said.

Escalation Into Repeated Violence

Residents report that tensions between the groups had been building for months, with periodic clashes marking an increasingly unstable situation. A video circulating locally is said to show members of the Kaillya Badal faction openly collecting payments from traders, with shopkeepers reportedly complying without protest.

The situation escalated sharply on Sunday afternoon near Pabna Goli in Rayerbazar, where Emon’s associates allegedly attacked members of the opposing group, forcing them to retreat. Witnesses say the reprisal came within an hour.

A significantly larger group, reportedly armed with sharp weapons, later returned to the scene. Eyewitness accounts describe a sudden and ferocious attack in which Emon was hacked repeatedly. Reports indicate the violence was so severe that parts of his limbs were severed.

Arrests and Recovery of Weapons

Following the incident, police confirmed the arrest of four individuals in connection with the killing. The detainees include Saif, Tuhin, Rabbi Kazi, and Suman, who was arrested later. Law enforcement officers also recovered three machetes, a cutter blade, and a metal plate believed to have been used during the attack.

Officials have identified those arrested as individuals with prior criminal records. However, they have stopped short of confirming extortion-related motives, instead describing the incident as part of a broader struggle for territorial influence.

Background of the Victim and Legal Proceedings

Police records confirm that Emon Hossain had multiple pending cases against him, including at least 18 criminal allegations involving serious offences.

Despite this, his family strongly disputes aspects of the narrative. Emon’s mother, Ferdousi, has filed a murder case at Mohammadpur Police Station naming 21 individuals in connection with the killing, calling for full prosecution of those involved.

Emon originally came from Chandrapur village under Palong Police Station in Shariatpur district and had been residing with his family in the Italibari area of Rayerbazar, Mohammadpur.

Pattern of Earlier Violence

Local residents also point to a history of violence linked to the rivalry. On 21 February, two associates of Emon’s faction were reportedly injured in a machete attack attributed to the opposing group. A case filed over that incident allegedly resulted in arrests, during which one suspect reportedly acknowledged during preliminary questioning that the dispute involved control over illicit earnings.

Police Say Investigation Continuing

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Tejgaon Division, Juel Rana, confirmed that the killing stemmed from a struggle for local dominance. He stated that four suspects have been arrested so far, while operations are ongoing to apprehend others believed to be involved.

Authorities say investigations are continuing to establish the full structure of the rival networks, the sequence of events leading to the killing, and any wider criminal links connected to the violence.