Police have arrested an individual in connection with the recent attack and vandalism at Zakaria Hotel in Banani area of the capital, where a group of men allegedly stormed the premises and assaulted two women.
Sub-Inspector of Banani Police Station Md Emdad, also the investigating officer in the case, confirming the arrest said the man, identified as Salahuddin Monir, was arrested from the Mohakhali Bus Terminal on Saturday afternoon.
He said Monir was tracked down and arrested based on CCTV footage.
However, Monir is not the mastermind behind the attack, said SI Emdad. The main perpetrators are still being tracked down, and efforts to arrest the remaining suspects are ongoing, he added.
The incident occurred on the night of July 1 at Zakaria International Hotel, located on AK Khandakar Road, Wireless Gate, Mohakhali. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the attack was allegedly led by Monir, the convener of the Banani unit of the Jatiyatabadi Juba Dal, BNP’s youth wing.
Following the incident, Assistant General Manager of Zakaria Hotel Abu Bakar Siddique as a plaintiff filed a case with the Banani Police Station on July 2, naming five individuals and listing an additional 20–25 unidentified attackers.
According to the case statement, the incident initiated from a confrontation over room availability.
On June 30 at 8:05 pm, Monir arrived at the hotel requesting a VIP room, which was unavailable due to prior bookings. According to reports, he then dined and consumed alcohol at the hotel bar.
Identifying himself as a local political leader, Monir demanded a discount on the bill, which the hotel provided. However, he allegedly became agitated over not receiving a VIP room and issued threats to hotel staff before leaving.
Shortly afterward, the attack took place, resulting in property damage and physical assault on two female staff members.
Police say investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are expected in the coming days.