Dhaka:A group of alleged extortionists targeted a residential complex, including the content creation studio of popular YouTuber Salman Muqtadir, at ECB Chattar in the capital's New Greeni Properties area on Saturday night. The attack reportedly stemmed from a refusal to pay extortion money.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the assailants vandalized several studio apartments, residential units, and under-construction structures, causing significant damage to property and equipment at Brown Fish Studio, where Salman and his team regularly produced content.
Salman, speaking to reporters at the scene, stated that he was not the primary target of the attack. He believed the incident was linked to a dispute between the attackers and the property's owners. He mentioned, "I was in Chattogram and just arrived. I heard that there had been a dispute over extortion money and that the property owners had refused to pay."
He further explained that the attackers might not have known the studio belonged to him, suggesting the incident was directed at the entire project rather than him personally. The attackers allegedly damaged cameras, furniture, recording equipment, and other studio facilities. Salman's YouTube Silver and Gold Play Buttons were also reportedly smashed.
Describing the incident as robbery, extortion, and destruction, Salman highlighted concerns about the broader law and order situation in the country. Despite the damage, he expressed his determination to continue his creative work, stating that financial losses were not his primary concern. "I can start everything from scratch. Money is not an issue for me," he said.
He voiced concern for his employees and colleagues, who were emotionally affected by the incident. Salman noted that two caretakers were present during the attack and took shelter in a bathroom as the attackers entered with machetes and other tools.
Salman said the studio had around 29 CCTV cameras, but he was unsure if anyone had been identified from the footage. He mentioned that police had taken two people into custody following the incident. Regarding financial losses, he stated that the damage had not yet been assessed, noting the studio had hosted shoots for numerous clients with substantial investments in equipment and production.