Chittagong extortionist David Emon’s audio threat surfaces amid systemic fear among local businesses
Photo Collected
Despite the recent arrest of notorious Chittagong extortionist Mubarak Hossain, known as “David” Imon, a pervasive climate of fear continues to silence his victims. A leaked audio recording surfacing on social media this week has laid bare the brazen nature of his operations, capturing Imon demanding a payment of 10 million taka from a local internet business owner. In the 43-second clip, Imon is heard dismissing potential intervention from high-level officials and threatening the businessman’s life, telling him that survival is worth more than money.
The victim in the recording reportedly paid 10 million taka to Imon in mid-July after being threatened, yet he refrained from filing a police report or discussing the matter publicly out of fear for his safety. This reluctance to cooperate with authorities reflects a broader trend among Chittagong’s business community, according to Rajib Shahriar, convener of the Internet Service Provider Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) for the Chittagong division.
Shahriar revealed that member firms have long been systematically extorted, opting to quietly pay off criminals rather than seek help from law enforcement or their own trade organizations. He noted that the environment of intimidation was so severe that victims rarely shared their experiences even with one another. However, recent assurances from the police commissioner and the district superintendent of police have encouraged businesses to report such crimes directly. ISPAB representatives have now called for the state to ensure that habitual offenders like Imon remain incarcerated and that authorities effectively dismantle the organized youth gangs fueling the local crime wave.
Police arrested Imon on July 29 near the border in Jessore while he was attempting to flee to India with three associates. A known protégé of the fugitive crime boss Sajjad Ali, Imon faces at least 15 charges, including murder, illegal arms possession, and systemic extortion. He is currently being held on a 10-day remand in connection with cases in Fatikchhari.
During interrogation, Imon reportedly confessed to investigators that he commanded an average monthly extortion revenue of 10 million taka. He claimed that half of these illicit gains were funneled abroad to Sajjad Ali, who continues to orchestrate operations from hiding. Imon detailed a sophisticated methodology of intimidation, explaining that his associates would conduct thorough surveillance on a victim’s professional and personal life before initiating contact via international phone numbers. If victims refused to pay, the syndicate would resort to targeted shootings at homes or businesses to force compliance.
Chittagong police have emphasized that they are committed to dismantling these criminal networks. Assistant Commissioner of Police for Media, Aminur Rashid, stated that investigators are actively pursuing other members of the syndicate and urged the public to trust the judicial process. Police officials maintained that the apprehension of Imon marks a significant step toward restoring security in the region.
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