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Two internet service providers in Chattogram have alleged that their offices were attacked, vandalised and looted after they refused to pay an extortion demand of Tk20 million upfront and Tk1 million per month.
The incident took place between 12:15pm and 12:30pm on Monday at the offices of international internet gateway (IIG) operator Exabyte Ltd and internet service provider (ISP) DDN in the city’s Chawkbazar area.
A written complaint has been filed with Chawkbazar Police Station.
According to the complaint, DDN Accounts Manager Mohammad Shamsuddoha Minhaj accused 30–40 unidentified assailants of carrying out the attack. The companies alleged that on July 11, Exabyte owner Adil Bin Mamun received calls from a foreign and a local number.
The caller, identifying himself as “David Emon,” allegedly demanded Tk20 million as a one-time payment and Tk1 million every month to allow the companies to operate in Chattogram, threatening serious consequences if they refused.
The firms claim that two days after rejecting the demand, 30–40 masked men armed with machetes, cleavers and axes stormed the offices, vandalised computers, laptops, printers, fingerprint scanners and office furniture, causing an estimated Tk1.5 million in damage.
The complaint also alleges that the attackers looted Tk47,000 in cash, three Android phones, a Canon printer and Tk3.5 million kept in a company director’s bag for employees’ salaries before fleeing.
CCTV footage circulating on social media reportedly shows the masked attackers entering the office with weapons and carrying out the attack.
DDN Director Ridwanul Kabir alleged the attack was a planned act of retaliation for refusing to pay extortion, while Exabyte owner Adil Bin Mamun claimed the caller also said his group would take control of their business.
Mamun further alleged that “David Emon” is an associate of fugitive criminal Sajjad Ali, who is believed to be abroad. The accused, however, could not be reached for comment.
Officer-in-Charge Nur Hossain Mamun of Chawkbazar Police Station said police visited the scene and are investigating the allegations to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.