A group of alleged extortionists vandalised a residential complex including the content creation studio of popular YouTuber and content creator Salman Muqtadir at ECB Chattar in the capital's New Gini Properties area on Saturday night, reportedly over refusal to pay extortion money.
The attackers ransacked several studio apartments, residential units and under-construction structures in the area, causing extensive damage to property and equipment at Brown Fish Studio, where Salman and his team regularly produced content.
Speaking to reporters at the scene, Salman said he was not the primary target of the attack, which he believed was linked to a dispute between the attackers and the property's owners.
"I was in Chattogram and just arrived. I heard that there had been a dispute over extortion money and that the property owners had refused to pay. I do not know the details of what happened between them. In the middle of this, people like us got caught up in it," he said.
Salman said the attackers might not have known that the studio belonged to him, adding that the incident appeared to be directed at the entire project rather than at him personally.
The attackers allegedly damaged cameras, furniture, recording equipment and other studio facilities.
Salman's YouTube Silver and Gold Play Buttons were also reportedly smashed during the attack.
He described the incident as robbery, extortion and destruction, saying such incidents reflected the broader law and order situation in the country.Salman, however, said he would continue his creative work despite the damage, adding that financial losses were not his primary concern.
"I can start everything from scratch. Money is not an issue for me. I can earn enough by working with a few clients; but the issue is not money. It is the attack on my dream and my passion," he said.
He expressed concern for his employees and colleagues, many of whom were emotionally devastated by the incident.
Salman said two caretakers were present on the premises when the attack took place.
They had taken shelter in a bathroom as the attackers entered the property carrying machetes and other tools, he said.
He said the studio had around 29 CCTV cameras, but he was not aware whether anyone had been identified from the footage.
According to Salman, police took two people into custody following the incident.
Asked about the financial losses, Salman said the damage had not yet been assessed.
He said the studio had hosted shoots for numerous clients, with substantial investments in equipment and production.
