The attack and vandalism at content creator Salman Muqtadir’s ‘Brownfish Studio’ have sparked widespread discussion across the country. Various questions have emerged over Muqtadir’s statements following the incident, the reasons behind the attack, and a dispute over land and access roads. The incident has also prompted extensive discussion and analysis on social media.
Following the attack, Salman Muqtadir alleged in a Facebook Live that he had been asked for extortion money in the name of the BNP. He also claimed that his studio was attacked because he refused to pay the extortion demand. However, he later took a different position regarding the statement. Speaking on journalist Khaled Muhiuddin’s ‘Thikana’ talk show on Monday night, he also made several remarks about the BNP and the government.
During the talk show, Muqtadir said, “They are extortionists, land grabbers and liars.” He also challenged the government, claiming that he had the necessary documents to substantiate his statements. He said all his earnings were legitimate and that whether he would remain in Bangladesh would depend on the circumstances.
Questions have now been raised over this change in Muqtadir’s statements. He initially alleged that extortion had been demanded in the name of the BNP, later moved away from that position, and most recently made strong remarks against the BNP again. Against this backdrop, questions are being raised about the specific information underlying his statements.
Questions over veracity of extortion allegation
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has also commented on Salman Muqtadir’s allegations following the attack. According to the minister, Muqtadir had said that nobody had directly demanded extortion money from him. Muqtadir’s public statements, however, included an allegation that extortion had been demanded in the name of the BNP.
For this reason, those concerned believe it is necessary to clarify the basis of the allegation and the information on which Muqtadir made such a serious accusation against a political party. He may be questioned as part of the investigation to obtain detailed information on the matter.
Land, road dispute may be behind attack
Sources involved in the investigation said it could not yet be conclusively established that Salman Muqtadir’s studio itself was the target of the attack. A long-running dispute has reportedly existed over the land near ECB Chattar in Dhaka between property developer New Gini Properties and a retired military officer.
Preliminary findings suggest that the attack on the housing project may have been planned over a dispute concerning the land and the use of an access road. Muqtadir’s tin-shed studio, which was located there, was also damaged in the incident.
In this context, the investigation may examine how much Salman Muqtadir knew about the ownership, use and related disputes concerning the land before building the studio there. It may also look into whether he had any involvement with either side of the land dispute or whether he was used by any party.
Why controversy emerged over filing of case
Confusion has also emerged over the filing of a case following the incident. At one point, Home Minister Salahuddin said that although Muqtadir had generated considerable discussion on social media, he had not filed a specific case with the police station.
In response, Muqtadir claimed that he had remained at the police station until the early hours of the morning on the night of the incident and had applied to file a case. He alleged that police initially refused to accept the case.
The case was later accepted and several people were arrested in connection with the incident. It is therefore necessary to establish through investigation what exactly happened at the police station that night, what allegations Muqtadir brought forward, and what details of the alleged damage and other complaints were included in his application.
Impact of social media statements
Salman Muqtadir is a well-known figure on social media and has a large number of followers. As a result, any statement he makes can quickly reach a large audience. His statements on a sensitive incident such as the attack have therefore become important in terms of their potential impact on public opinion and the law-and-order situation.
Various levels of the government have also urged him to exercise greater responsibility when making statements on social media. The investigation may also consider whether any information was disseminated without verification or whether his statements contributed to confusion or tension.
Discussion over need for questioning
Salman Muqtadir is undoubtedly a victim in the incident. His studio was attacked and vandalised, and he has alleged that valuable equipment was damaged or looted. At the same time, those involved believe that the statements he made on social media following the incident, as well as the positions he subsequently took, are also relevant to the investigation.
Some analysts have said that questioning him does not mean treating him as an accused. Rather, obtaining information from him about the actual cause of the incident, the attackers’ motives, the basis of the extortion allegation and the connection between the attack and the land dispute could form a normal part of the investigation.
Muqtadir himself has said that the government may summon him if necessary for the investigation. He has also claimed that he has the necessary documents relating to the incident.
Inquiry into source of funds
Meanwhile, an inquiry is reportedly underway into the source of Salman Muqtadir’s funds. Relevant sources said his bank accounts, account-opening documents and transaction records were being reviewed. Muqtadir, however, has claimed that all his earnings are legitimate and “white”.
It has also been reported that several warehouses belonging to a business owned by his father-in-law, Sheikh Nur Islam, had been sealed over allegations of storing duty-free liquor. Muqtadir and his father-in-law, however, have claimed that they do not have a normal relationship.
Overall, the actual reason behind the attack on Salman Muqtadir’s studio remains unclear. The extortion allegation, the dispute over land and roads, the actual target of the attack, the controversy surrounding the filing of the case and Muqtadir’s contradictory statements following the incident all warrant further investigation.
Only after the actual motive behind the attack is established and the allegations are verified will the full picture of the incident become clear.
