From Cricket Hope to Crime Boss: David Emon Arrested in Chattogram
Police have arrested David Emon, a feared criminal leader in Chattogram. He faces 15 criminal cases filed against him in just a few years. These cases include murders, illegal firearms offenses, and demanding millions of taka in extortion. Emon allegedly targeted businesspeople and expatriates. Police caught him near the Jashore border on Tuesday night. He was reportedly trying to flee to India.
Nazimul Haque is an additional deputy inspector general of Chattogram Range Police. He said Emon had entered Bangladesh through the Jashore border four days earlier. Emon then tried to escape back to India after learning about the police operation. Mr. Haque added that Emon travels in and out of the country often. Police believe he holds two passports, one Bangladeshi and one foreign.
Emon is from Kanchannagar in Fatikchhari upazila, Chattogram. Local residents said he was a talented cricketer in his youth. He used to cycle long distances for practice. Emon was known as a left-arm leg-spinner and a capable batsman. He played for Chattogram Brothers Academy. His former coach, Aminul Haque, called him “a very good cricketer” with “great potential.” But Emon suddenly disappeared from cricket after 2020.
After passing his SSC exams, Emon started college but did not finish his studies. He became involved in local politics around 2020. During this time, he developed ties with Abu Toyeb, a former student political leader. After August 5, 2024, Emon went into hiding. Police say he then became linked to top-listed criminals.
Emon connected with Sajjad Hossain, known as Chhoto Sajjad. He later gained the attention of Sajjad Ali, known as Boro Sajjad. Boro Sajjad is a top criminal who is hiding abroad. Police say Emon became one of two men leading Boro Sajjad’s crime operations in Chattogram.
Emon is accused in several serious murder cases. These include a twin murder in Bakalia in March 2025. He is also linked to the murder of Dhakaiya Akbar in May 2025. Police records show his involvement in murders in Hathazari and Chandgaon. A photo of Emon holding a looted police firearm also circulated widely online. Police say he is highly skilled in using weapons.
Emon makes threatening calls from foreign phone numbers to demand money. He allegedly told one victim, “Even if you have 50,000 police protecting you, I will come into your house and kill you.” In July, his associates reportedly attacked an internet service provider’s office. This was after Emon demanded Tk 20 million in extortion, followed by Tk 1 million monthly.
Emon once told a reporter why he chose crime. He said, “Since childhood I wanted to become either a great cricketer or a rich man. I chose this path to become rich.” Police say Emon’s way of speaking on the phone frightens people very easily.
