Content creator Salman Mohammad Muqtadir alleged that local BNP activists had demanded extortion money from him, and when he refused, his studio was attacked, vandalised and looted.
He said he was not in Dhaka at the time. After receiving news, he flew back to the capital, visited the studio and went live on Facebook to show the damage.
The incident took place around 10:30pm on Saturday at New Gini Properties in the ECB Chattar area. The studio contained client shooting footage, essential equipment and other work materials, and the loss could be substantial.
He could not immediately specify the exact amount of damage and said the studio was not only a business for him but also a place tied to employment and creative work for many young people. Despite the destruction, he vowed not to stop.
Accusing BNP activists of involvement, he said, “BNP people did this for extortion money.”
A studio official claimed that between 100 and 150 people suddenly stormed the premises around 10:30pm and began vandalising. He alleged that some were armed with machetes and firearms.
Seeing the situation turn dangerous, staff hid in the washroom. The attackers reportedly followed, threatened them with weapons and took mobile phones and wallets.
The official added that various essential pieces of equipment were also taken. However, no staff members were reported injured.
