Content creator and influencer Salman Muktadir has been primarily identified as a victim in the incident of vandalism at his studio, according to the police. However, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that a more detailed investigation into the incident is required. The legal process for filing a general diary (GD) or a case is underway, and a formal case may be filed soon.
The Home Minister made these remarks while speaking to journalists present at the Secretariat on Sunday (September 27) afternoon.
The Home Minister said that yesterday, an incident of vandalism occurred at one of Salman Muktadir’s studios. He later came live on Facebook and made various statements regarding the matter. He commented that such incidents are quite normal in Bangladesh and labeled the BNP as an extortionist party. His accusation was that his studio was vandalized because he refused to pay extortion money.
He further added that the police have stated that although Salman Muktadir made allegations on Facebook Live, he has not filed any case to date. He himself even said that no one demanded extortion from him, and if they had, he would have paid. Therefore, it has not yet been specifically identified against whom the accusation of extortion demand is directed.
Meanwhile, according to the police, the broad accusation made against the BNP as an extortionist party has no specific basis. If Salman Muktadir files a case with specific allegations of extortion, the police will investigate it.
The Home Minister also mentioned that the incident took place in Manikdi Namapara, which falls under the Cantonment Police Station. A dispute over approximately 35 decimal of land is ongoing between two parties there. One party is a construction company, and the other is a retired senior military officer.
He further stated that according to initial investigation findings, some individuals, acting on behalf of the retired military officer, attempted to occupy the land under the cover of night. Incidents of vandalism also occurred there. Within that property, Salman Muktadir had a tin-shed structure, likely used for creating various types of content. That structure also suffered significant damage from vandalism.
The Minister said that an initial investigation into the incident has already been conducted. However, the police have stated that further investigation is required to ascertain the details of the matter. Salman Muktadir has not filed any case yet. His various statements on Facebook Live have created controversy surrounding the incident.
Salahuddin Ahmed stated that after receiving a call on 999 regarding the incident, the police arrived at the scene. Three individuals have been arrested from there. Various pieces of evidence, including bullet casings and some local weapons, were also recovered from the site.
The police have informed that a case is in progress regarding the clash and occupation-dispossession involving the disputed land between the two parties. As the matter is currently under investigation and the process of filing a case is ongoing, further details about the incident will be known as the investigation progresses.
