Armed gang attacks ISP office, loots Tk35 lakh in Chattogram

An internet service provider's office in Chattogram's Chakbazar area was attacked by armed miscreants on Monday afternoon, July 13, who vandalised the premises and looted Tk 35 lakh. Before the attack, the owner was demanded Tk 2 crore as a one-time payment and Tk 10 lakh per month to continue his business, according to the owner's complaint. Police said the attackers are associates of Sazzad Ali, a fugitive gangster based abroad.

The incident occurred around 12:30 pm at the Digital Dot Net office on the Chandonpura-Bakalia access road in Chakbazar.

The owner, Adil Bin Mamun, said he had received a phone call two days earlier from someone identifying himself as Mobarak Hossain Emon. He claimed to be a known figure and said, "You have to pay Tk 2 crore as a one-time payment and Tk 10 lakh every month. From now on, we will run the business." When he refused, the attack was carried out.

Adil said the caller also referred to a shooting incident at the home of the Smart Group owner when the extortion demand was not met, to intimidate him. The caller also claimed that the Police Commissioner would recognise him if shown his photo.

CCTV footage circulating on social media shows 15-20 armed men entering the office and smashing computers, phones and furniture with crowbars and other weapons. One person is seen hitting computers and equipment with an axe. The attackers intimidated employees and took away cash kept at the office.

Digital Dot Net director Ridwanul Kabir said the attackers looted Tk 35 lakh that had been kept for employee salaries. Since the incident, fear has spread among internet business owners and employees in the area.

Chakbazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nur Hossain Mamun said the attackers are associates of Sazzad Ali, a fugitive gangster based abroad. Efforts are underway to identify and arrest them.

According to police, the accused Mobarak Hossain Emon is a resident of Fatikchhari, Chattogram, and is an accused in multiple murder, arms and extortion cases. Police said Emon and Mohammad Rayhan are currently leading a criminal network in Chattogram on behalf of the fugitive Sazzad Ali, who is abroad. They have been accused of regularly demanding extortion from various individuals and businesses.