A savage gang clash erupted on the slopes of Rayerbazar Embankment Road near Buddhijibi Memorial in Mohammadpur on Sunday afternoon, leaving a trail of blood and a notorious youth leader dead.
Emon, alias Alex Emon, the feared head of the Alex Group, was hacked to death in a vicious attack that has sent shockwaves through the capital.
The incident, which unfolded around 4:30 pm, witnessed a fierce confrontation between two rival juvenile gangs fighting for territorial dominance in the densely populated Rayer Bazar area. Witnesses described a scene of chaos: shouting, flashing blades, and frantic scrambling as bystanders fled for safety.
Emon, described by police as the "main leader" of the Alex Emon Group, sustained multiple deep wounds from sharp weapons during the melee. Despite being rushed to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital by associates, doctors declared him dead on arrival. His body currently lies in the hospital morgue, awaiting post-mortem examination.
"This was a clash between two groups of juvenile gangs," confirmed Abdullah Al Mamun, Assistant Commissioner of Police of DMP Mohammadpur Zone. "Emon, the main leader of Alex Emon Group, was killed in the incident."
Police moved swiftly, arresting three individuals from the scene within minutes of receiving emergency calls. The detained suspects have been identified as Md Saif, 23, Tuhin, 20, and Md Rabbi Kazi, 25.
From their possession, officers recovered a chilling arsenal: three chapatis (traditional curved machetes), one cutter, and one steel plate, reportedly used as makeshift shields during the fight.
However, in a twist that deepens the mystery, AC Mamun declined to specify which gang the arrested men belonged to. "We are investigating their affiliations," he stated briefly. "Further details will be shared after interrogation."
According to local sources, the violence did not erupt spontaneously. A long-standing and bitter dispute had been simmering between the Alex Emon Group and the rival Arman-Shahrukh Group over control of lucrative illicit activities in Rayer Bazar. Extortion, illegal toll collection and dominance over local youth are believed to be at the heart of the feud.
Today, that tension exploded into fatal violence.
"Due to this longstanding rivalry, a clash took place between members of the two groups today," a local informant recounted. "During the fight, Emon was seriously injured by sharp weapons wielded by opponents. He was rescued and taken to the hospital, but it was too late."
Residents of the area expressed alarm at the brazen daylight violence. "We heard shouting, then saw people running with blood on their clothes," said a shopkeeper who requested anonymity. "This is not the first fight, but never has it been so deadly, so public."
Parents in the neighbourhood voiced fears for their children's safety. "These gangs recruit young boys, promise them money and power, and then throw them into deadly conflicts," one mother lamented. "When will this end?"
Law enforcement officials have promised a robust response. "We are conducting a thorough investigation," AC Mamun asserted. "Those responsible for this murder will be brought to justice. We are also reviewing intelligence on gang activities in Mohammadpur to prevent further incidents."
Detectives are examining mobile phone records, CCTV footage from nearby establishments, and witness statements to piece together the exact sequence of events and identify any additional perpetrators who fled the scene.
The killing of Alex Emon highlights a troubling rise in juvenile gang violence across Dhaka's urban corridors. Youth leaders, often barely out of their teens, wield significant influence in informal economies, and disputes are frequently settled with blades rather than words.