Content creator and actor Salman Muqtadir’s studio was allegedly vandalised and looted after he refused to pay extortion money, according to his allegations.

Salman claimed that individuals with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had demanded money from him and that the attack took place after he refused to comply.

The incident reportedly occurred around 10:30pm on Saturday (September 26) at New Greeny Properties in the capital’s ECB Chattar area.

An official associated with the studio said a group of around 100 to 150 people suddenly entered the premises and began vandalising the facility. According to the official, some of the attackers were carrying machetes and firearms.

As the situation escalated, studio officials reportedly took shelter inside a toilet. The attackers allegedly followed them there, threatened them with weapons and took away their mobile phones and wallets. Several pieces of studio equipment and other essential belongings were also reportedly looted.

There was no immediate confirmation of whether anyone was injured during the incident.

Salman was outside Dhaka when the attack took place. After receiving news of the incident, he returned to the capital and visited the studio. He later showed the damage during a Facebook Live session.

During the live broadcast, Salman said the studio contained footage, shooting materials and other work-related items belonging to several clients. He said the loss could be significant but that he was unable to provide an exact estimate of the financial damage immediately.

He also expressed concern that the loss of clients’ footage and production materials could disrupt their ongoing projects.

“Our studio has been destroyed,” Salman said while showing the damaged premises. He described the studio as a place where young people were working and pursuing careers in creative fields, saying its destruction was a loss beyond his own business.

Salman alleged that people affiliated with the BNP were behind the attack and accused them of extortion. However, no immediate response was available from BNP leaders or activists regarding the allegation.

Despite the incident, Salman said he had no intention of abandoning his work. Addressing his employees, he said they should remain calm and continue working.

He said the studio was more than a business venture for him, as the livelihoods and creative work of many young people were connected to it.

“I will not stop. I will continue pursuing my passion. If I cannot do it from the country, I will continue it from outside the country,” he said.

Salman also said he planned to file a case over the incident. However, authorities had not officially confirmed the filing of a case at the time of reporting.

Law enforcement agencies had also not independently confirmed the identities of those involved, the extent of the damage or Salman’s allegations regarding the attackers’ political affiliation.

Sun News/ rabbi