Mobarak Hossain alias David Emon, an alleged close associate of Chattogram's fugitive gangster Sazzad Ali alias Boro Sazzad, had allegedly struck a deal to cross into India in exchange for Rs 20,000 (app. Tk 26,000). He travelled towards the border in a vehicle owned by a Dhaka-based businessman before police intercepted him in Jashore early today, investigators have said.
Acting on intelligence shared by Chattogram District Police, multiple teams from Jashore Kotwali Police Station and the district Detective Branch (DB) set up checkpoints on roads leading to the Jhikargacha border and arrested Emon before he could leave the country, police said.
David Emon was arrested along with three associates from the Jhumjhumpara area. The others were identified as Al-Islam Alif Tamal, 25; Md Shamim, 28; and Md Safayet Hossain.
The four were travelling in a black Honda CR-V SUV when police stopped the vehicle. Officers said Emon had shaved off his moustache in an apparent attempt to disguise himself.
Md Mirajul Islam, additional superintendent of police (Crime and Operations) in Jashore, said, "Acting on specific intelligence provided by Chattogram District Police, our police station and Detective Branch teams launched the operation," he told The Daily Star.
"After detaining them, we matched his [David Emon] photograph and other identifying information to confirm his identity. Nine police teams participated in the operation. Everything recovered from his possession has been handed over to Chattogram District Police," he added.
Police said Emon initially introduced himself as "Miraj" and claimed to be from Dhaka.
A Chattogram District Police official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said one of the three men accompanying David Emon is the nephew of the owner of the vehicle used in the journey.
"We will verify their identities after bringing them to Chattogram," the officer said.
The SUV, bearing registration number Dhaka Metro-Gha 15-3590, is registered with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) under the name of Hope Textile, owned by Md Awal Hossain.
The vehicle was registered in 2016, with the owner's address listed in Banani, Dhaka.
Speaking to reporters this afternoon, Additional Deputy Inspector General of Police (Chattogram Range) Nazimul Haque said David Emon had again attempted to flee to India after learning about ongoing police operations against him.
"Emon frequently travels to India. We have information suggesting he possesses two passports, including one foreign passport. Details regarding these matters will emerge during interrogation," he added.
Police identified David Emon as one of the two men currently overseeing Boro Sazzad's criminal network in Chattogram while the alleged gang leader remains a fugitive abroad.
The son of Md Musa of Kanchannagar in Fatikchhari, Emon is accused in at least seven criminal cases, including the Bakalia double murder on March 30, 2025, and the killing of gangster Dhakaiya Akbar at Patenga Sea Beach on May 23, 2025.
He is also accused in the case filed over the vandalising and looting the office of internet service provider Digital Dot Net (DDN) after allegedly demanding Tk two crore. Police said he had threatened the company's owner over the phone before the attack.
According to investigators, David Emon had access to between 15 and 20 firearms, was adept at handling weapons, and arranged the armed assailants and motorcycles allegedly used in the Bakalia double murder.
Police said that after the imprisonment of Sazzad Hossain alias Chhoto Sazzad, David Emon and Mohammad Raihan Alam took over the day-to-day operations of the criminal network. Raihan is also accused in at least eight criminal cases, including extortion, murder and illegal possession of firearms.
