Actress Alleges Gunpoint Assault, Ashian Group Denies Misconduct Charges

Model and actress Snigdha Chowdhury, also known as Ishrat Jahan, has filed a written police complaint against Nazrul Islam Bhuiyan, chairman of real estate and healthcare conglomerate Ashian Group, alleging attempted murder, physical torture, and sexual harassment. The complaint was formally submitted to Khilkhet Police Station in Dhaka around midnight on Sunday following an incident that reportedly transpired at the group’s medical college premises.

According to the complaint, Snigdha was summoned to the Ashian Medical College facility in Khilkhet on Friday under the pretext of signing a contract for a commercial advertisement. Upon her arrival, the situation turned violent when the chairman allegedly mistook her for another woman named Zeba Takiya, whom he accused of embezzling 15 million Bangladeshi Taka.

Snigdha claimed that despite repeatedly clarifying her identity as a different individual, Nazrul Islam Bhuiyan refused to listen. He allegedly aimed a loaded shotgun at her, bound her hands and feet, throttled her, and beat her across various parts of her body with a wooden stick. The complaint further details that her hair was pulled violently and she was forcibly administered an intoxicating substance while being held down. She managed to escape the premises at around 11:30 pm when the accused briefly stepped into an adjacent room, subsequently seeking emergency treatment at Kurmitola General Hospital.

Ashian Group has categorically refuted every allegation made by the actress. In an official statement, Syed Shafiqul Islam, General Manager of Media and Communications for Ashian Group, described the claims as entirely fabricated, baseless, and politically motivated. He emphasized that the matter is currently subject to judicial proceedings and asserted that the organization holds full faith in the legal system, trusting an impartial investigation to reveal the truth.

The company’s written statement cautioned against publishing one-sided allegations that could mislead the public while legal channels remain active. Ashian Group urged media outlets to verify statements from all involved parties responsibly before reporting, stressing that ongoing police inquiries and judicial processes will ultimately establish the facts.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing held at her Banani residence on Monday afternoon, Snigdha recounted her ordeal in detail and demanded immediate legal action against Nazrul Islam Bhuiyan. Distressed during the briefing, the actress declared that if justice is denied to her, she will be forced to commit suicide, adding that she would leave behind notes naming those responsible for driving her to such an extreme measure.

The case highlights lingering concerns surrounding safety, transparency, and accountability within Bangladesh’s media and real estate sectors. Khilkhet police confirmed receipt of the written complaint and stated that preliminary investigations are underway to verify the timeline of events, review CCTV footage, and inspect medical records from Kurmitola General Hospital before deciding on formal legal charges.