Content creator and actor Salman Muktadir's studio has allegedly been attacked, extensively vandalized, and looted after he refused to pay extortion money.
Salman alleged that BNP-affiliated individuals had demanded money from him, and the attack occurred after he refused to pay. Two people have been detained in connection with the incident.
Muhammad Giyas Uddin, officer-in-charge (OC) of Cantonment Police Station, confirmed this to Dhaka Tribune on Sunday morning.
He said that upon receiving news of the attack, police went to the scene, where two people were detained. He also stated that weapons were recovered.
According to those involved, the incident had earlier taken place around 10:30pm on Saturday at New Greenery Properties near ECB Chattar in the capital.
An official at the studio claimed that around 150 people suddenly entered the premises at 10:30pm and began vandalizing it. He alleged that several of them were carrying machetes and firearms.
Seeing the dangerous situation, the officials present at the studio fled and hid in the toilet. It is alleged that the attackers followed them there as well and, at gunpoint, took their mobile phones and wallets. Various essential equipment kept in the studio was also reportedly taken.
Salman Muktadir was not in Dhaka at the time of the incident. Upon hearing the news, he flew back to Dhaka. He later went to the studio, saw the damage, and addressed the matter in a Facebook Live session.
Salman said the studio contained footage from various clients' shoots along with necessary equipment and materials for various projects. Because these items were taken, the extent of the damage could be substantial, though he could not immediately specify an exact figure.
In the Facebook Live, Salman said that a great deal of client footage and shooting equipment had been kept at the studio, and losing them has caused both financial loss and major work-related problems.
Showing the extensive damage to his studio, Salman said: "Our studio has been destroyed."
He claimed that there are very few studios like his in the country dedicated to creative work and arts and culture, and that its destruction represents an overall loss.
Alleging that BNP-affiliated people were involved in the attack, Salman said: "You BNP people who did this — this is your extortion. Why are you destroying my dream?"
Despite the attack, Salman said he will not stop working. Addressing his staff, he said: "Relax, this is nothing. We'll keep working right here."
Salman noted that the studio was not just a business for him — it was tied to the employment and creative work of many young people. So even though the studio was damaged in the attack, he doesn't want to stop.
In his words: "I will not stop. I will continue my passion. If not from within the country, then I'll continue it from abroad."