Land dispute behind attack on Salman's studio, not extortion: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has described the allegations of extortion against BNP over the attack and vandalism at content creator and influencer Salman Muqtadir's studio as "sweeping." He said the incident was not due to extortion; the vandalism occurred in a case of occupation and counter-occupation over about 35 kathas of land in the Manikdi Namapara area of the capital, stemming from a dispute between two sides.

The Home Minister made these remarks while speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Sunday, September 27.

Noting that he himself has been "victimised" over the incident of vandalism at Salman Muqtadir's studio, the Home Minister said a preliminary investigation has been conducted into the matter. A more detailed investigation is needed. The legal process of filing a case and a GD over the incident is underway. However, no case has been filed yet.

The Home Minister said that although Salman Muqtadir alleged on a Facebook Live that extortion money was demanded from him and that his studio was attacked for not paying it, he did not file any case. In his words, Salman at one point said no one had demanded extortion from him; if asked, he would have given it. After that, BNP was called a "party of extortionists." According to the Home Minister, this is not a specific allegation.

Highlighting the land dispute behind the incident, the Home Minister said the disputed land in the Manikdi Namapara area falls under the jurisdiction of Cantonment Police Station. The preliminary report found information about a dispute there between a builders' company named 'New Gini Properties' and the side of a retired senior military officer.

He said, according to preliminary information, some people on behalf of the retired military officer went to occupy the land under cover of darkness. They went there and vandalised the premises. There was also a tin shed belonging to Salman Muqtadir within that establishment, where content creation work was done. That too was vandalised.

Noting that the legal process is underway over the clash and occupation and counter-occupation over the disputed land, the Home Minister said police went to the scene after receiving a call on 999. Three people have been arrested in this incident. Bullet shells and some local weapons were also recovered from the scene.

He said the matter is under investigation. If a case is filed, further progress can be informed based on the investigation.