‘You called previous govt fascist, what nature is this?’ Salman Muqtadir questions response to attack on studio

Content creator Salman Muqtadir has questioned the government’s response to the attack on his BrownFish Studio, asking whether people can still question those in power after the government criticised its predecessor as “fascist”.

In a video posted on Facebook this evening (30 September), Salman alleged that state agencies, media outlets and other platforms were being used against him after he raised questions about the attack.

“You have been calling the previous government fascist, fascist, fascist. What nature is this? Can’t the government be questioned? Can’t someone complain or speak out against it?” he said.

Salman said he had gone to Cantonment Police Station on the night of the incident to file a case and questioned why authorities were subsequently asking the media whether he had lodged a complaint. He said he remained at the police station until around 4am on 27 September.

A group attacked and vandalised BrownFish Studio at New Gini Properties near ECB Chattar on 26 September, with items allegedly looted from the premises.

Police said the incident stemmed from a land dispute and detained several people in connection with it.

Salman had alleged that local BNP men were behind the attack, linking it to an alleged extortion demand involving the property’s landowner. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, however, described the allegation of BNP involvement in extortion as “sweeping” and said preliminary findings pointed to a land dispute.

In his latest video, Salman also criticised what he described as victim-blaming and repeated scrutiny of his conduct and reaction following the attack.

He said he had not acted in support of any political party but had spoken out for people, himself and the country.

Salman also challenged the authorities over what he described as repeated demands for documents and information, saying he was prepared to provide agreements, letters, transaction records and other relevant papers.

He warned that the treatment he was facing could discourage others from speaking out against wrongdoing.

“Next time, nobody will raise their voice against any government. Nobody will work for the country. Is this what freedom of speech means?” he said.