Extortion Demand Preceded Chattogram Office Attack

An internet service provider’s office in Chattogram was allegedly targeted in a violent daylight attack after its owner refused to comply with an extortion demand of Tk 20 million as a one-off payment and Tk 1 million in monthly protection money. The incident has raised fresh concerns over organised criminal activity targeting businesses in the port city.

The attack took place at around 12:30 pm on Monday at the office of Digital Dot Net (DDN), located on the Chandanpura–Bakalia access road under Chawkbazar Police Station. According to police, a group linked to fugitive criminal Sazzad Ali is suspected of carrying out the assault, and efforts are under way to identify and arrest those involved.

Adil Bin Mamun, owner of the company, said he had received a telephone call from an overseas number two days before the attack. The caller allegedly identified himself as David Imon, also known as Mobarak Hossain Imon, and demanded Tk 20 million as a lump-sum payment along with Tk 1 million every month in exchange for allowing the business to continue operating.

According to Adil, the caller warned that his organisation would effectively take control of the business if the money was not paid. He also claimed the caller portrayed himself as a well-known figure, saying even senior police officials would recognise him, and referred to previous attacks on other business figures as examples of what could happen if extortion demands were ignored.

The company owner alleged that the attack on his office was carried out after he refused to pay the money. Police visited the scene shortly after the incident, and preparations are under way to file a criminal case.

CCTV footage from the office reportedly shows between 15 and 20 armed men entering the premises and carrying out widespread vandalism. The attackers damaged computers, office equipment, furniture and employees’ mobile phones. One individual was seen using an axe to smash computer systems and other equipment, while staff members were threatened throughout the assault.

Ridwanul Kabir, a director of Digital Dot Net, said the attackers also stole Tk 3.5 million in cash that had been kept in the office to pay employees’ salaries. The incident has created widespread fear among internet service providers and business owners operating in the surrounding area.

Chawkbazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nur Hossain Mamun said investigators are reviewing evidence, including CCTV footage, and are working to identify everyone involved in the attack.

Police allege that Mobarak Hossain Imon is an associate of fugitive criminal Sazzad Ali, who is believed to be operating from abroad. Investigators say Imon faces seven criminal cases, including those linked to a double murder in the Bakalia area on 30 March 2025 and the killing of criminal figure Dhakaiya Akbar near Patenga Sea Beach on 23 May the same year.

According to police, Imon is experienced in handling firearms and has allegedly carried between 15 and 20 illegal weapons. Investigators also claim he played a role in arranging armed assailants and motorcycles used in the Bakalia double murder.

The latest incident follows a series of alleged extortion-related threats in Chattogram. On 9 May, journalist Biplob Dey Partha filed a general diary after allegedly receiving a death threat demanding Tk 5 million within 24 hours. Police said the threat was also linked to Mobarak Hossain Imon.

The attacked office is located beside the residence of Smart Group director Mujibur Rahman, whose house has been targeted in separate shooting incidents this year despite being under police protection. Those attacks were also allegedly connected to extortion demands involving associates of fugitive criminal Sazzad Ali.

Investigators believe Sazzad Ali’s criminal network remains active in Chattogram through local operatives. Police allege that Mobarak Hossain Imon and Mohammad Raihan currently oversee much of the group’s activities inside the city. Raihan also faces multiple criminal cases involving allegations of extortion, illegal firearms and murder.

According to law enforcement officials, the organisation has around 50 armed shooters and associates who are allegedly involved in demanding money from businesses and individuals. Although several victims have lodged complaints, many of the suspects have yet to be brought into custody, and the investigation into Monday’s attack remains ongoing.