Armed groups launched a series of violent attacks on two bars in the capital’s Uttara and a hotel in Tongi early Friday morning, leaving at least six staff members injured. The attacks were reportedly carried out by local gangs after their demands for extortion and free liquor were refused.
The incidents occurred at around 5:30am on Friday, targeting the Margarita Bar in Paradise Tower, the Campfire Bar in the BNS Centre, and the Javan Hotel in Tongi.
Uttara raids
According to local sources, members of groups led by individuals known as “Chhoto Sunny” and “Sohel” had long been threatening these commercial establishments, demanding protection money and free alcohol. Following a refusal to meet these demands, an armed group of 20 to 30 men, led by Chhoto Sunny, attempted to forcibly enter Paradise Tower.
When security personnel blocked their entry, the attackers assaulted them with local weapons, including cleavers, knives, and razors. Three to four security guards at the Margarita Bar sustained serious injuries. One victim, identified as Shamim, was admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital after four tendons in his hand were severed. Other staff members, including Saddam, Masud, and Hekim, required stitches for wounds to their heads and hands.
Following the assault at Paradise Tower, the group moved to the Campfire Bar at the BNS Centre. Upon encountering resistance, they hacked at least five security guards, leaving two others injured.
Tongi hotel attack
The gang then proceeded to the Javan Hotel and Bar, owned by the Cancun Group, located in the Amtoli area of Tongi. As the hotel was closing, the group attempted to force their way inside, leading to an altercation with security.
The attackers reportedly summoned another local group from Tongi and exploded several cocktail-like objects in front of the hotel. They eventually retreated in the face of resistance from security personnel and local residents.
While Javan Hotel staff and a local resident were injured, the counter-resistance also resulted in injuries to the Uttara gang leader, Sunny, the Tongi “juvenile gang” leader “Vadaimma” Sabuj, and his associate Zakir. Following the failed raid, Chhoto Sunny reportedly made a death threat via mobile phone to the owner of Javan Hotel, Sayemon Khan.
Identified participants in the raids include Sunny, Sohel, Shaon, Kamal, Moon, Saiful, Nazmul, Roni, Arafat, Faruk, Roman, Shanta, Boro Shanta, Anik, and Rakib, alongside 20 to 30 unidentified accomplices.
Uttara West Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Khalid Mansur told the TIMES that the attackers should not be classified as a “juvenile gang” as they are all aged between 20 and 25 years. “They were primarily creating pressure on the bars for free liquor. This clash occurred because the bar authorities did not agree to their demands,” the OC said.
The OC added that police are currently reviewing CCTV footage to identify and apprehend the suspects. Legal action will be initiated following formal written complaints from the bar authorities. Tongi East Police are also investigating the attack on the Javan Hotel.
