Dhaka:Popular content creator Salman Muqtadir has voiced criticism towards Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed regarding the attack, vandalism, and looting at his studio in Dhaka's ECB Chattar. Muqtadir emphasized that the government should prioritize the safety and security of citizens instead of debating procedural matters like who should have filed a case.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Muqtadir expressed gratitude to the home minister for calling him a 'gentleman' and noted that the minister's remarks on freedom of speech encouraged him to respond publicly. Muqtadir challenged the minister's implication that he had not filed a case, questioning how the minister was unaware of a case being filed when Muqtadir had been at the Cantonment Police Station until 4 am after the incident.
Muqtadir pointed out that the case had not been filed until the incident gained attention and the home minister issued a statement. He suggested that the authorities should explain why a case was not promptly filed after his visit to the police station.
He further criticized the minister's comments on political affiliations, stating that the Home Ministry should focus on citizen safety rather than the political identity of those involved. Muqtadir mentioned that several people had been detained, and evidence, including weapons, had been collected from the scene. He refrained from accusing the BNP without verification, emphasizing the need for composure and credibility.
Muqtadir expressed frustration over politically influenced media coverage and declined financial assistance from the government, stating he could rebuild his studio independently. He reported being contacted by political parties but chose not to engage, avoiding turning the incident into a political issue.
Salman questioned the security implications of the attack occurring in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's constituency, highlighting concerns for freedom of expression and the cultural sector. He stressed that while he could recover his personal loss, the larger issue was the authorities' ability to safeguard ordinary citizens.
Police have linked the incident to a land dispute rather than an extortion case. Assistant Commissioner (Cantonment Zone) Nazmul Alam reported that the studio was not the specific target, but rather part of a conflict between New Gini Properties Ltd and an adjacent plot owner. Three individuals have been detained, and the Home Minister noted that the dispute involved around 35 kathas of land between New Gini Properties and a retired military officer. The investigation continues.