Salman Muqtadir's studio attacked in Dhaka amid extortion and land dispute claims

Salman Muqtadir studio attack extortion allegations land dispute Dhaka

An armed mob attacked and looted the BrownFish Studio in Dhaka, owned by content creator Salman Muqtadir, on the night of September 26. The raid involved approximately 100 to 150 individuals who destroyed production equipment, smashed dozens of CCTV cameras, and looted materials from various projects.

Salman Muqtadir has alleged the attack was an act of extortion by political factions following his refusal to pay demands. However, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the incident appears to stem from a 35-katha land dispute between New Gini Properties and a retired senior military officer. The Minister noted that while Muqtadir claimed victimization, no formal case had been filed by him at the time of the Minister's initial briefing.

Muqtadir responded to the Minister's comments by asserting that he had attempted to file a case at the Cantonment Police Station until 4:00 AM but was unsuccessful. He called on the government to ensure national security rather than spreading misleading information.

Prime Minister's Adviser Mahdi Amin has vowed that the government will take a strict stance against lawbreakers, regardless of political influence. Police have arrested four suspects, including an alleged planner named Shahriar, in connection with the incident.

Entities

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami · Bangladesh Nationalist Party · Brownfish Studio · Cantonment Police Station · Dhaka Metropolitan Police · ECB Complex · Mahdi Amin · Mahdy Amin · New Gini Properties · New Grini Properties · New Guini Properties Limited · Salahuddin Ahmed

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Salman Muktadir alleged that BNP members attacked and looted his studio after he refused to pay extortion money.
[● 2 SOURCES] A group of 100 to 150 individuals entered the studio and began vandalism around 10:30 PM on Saturday.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Police detained two individuals from the scene carrying knives.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Police stated the attack at the ECB complex was related to a land occupation dispute.
[● 2 SOURCES] The attack resulted in the destruction of studio equipment, furniture, and electronics.
[● 2 SOURCES] Some attackers were reportedly armed with cleavers and firearms.