2 arrested for attack on businessman over alleged extortion demand in Dhaka

Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the attack on a businessman in the capital's Elephant Road on Friday night.

The arrestees were identified as Asif Jhantu, 28, and Kawsar Uddin, 22. 

Confirming the arrest, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner (New Market zone) Tareq Latif told The Business Standard that Jhantu is listed as an accused in the case filed over the incident, while Kawsar was directly involved in the attack.

Man attacked over alleged extortion demand, video goes viral

On Friday night, a group of 9-12 individuals attacked local businessman Md Ehteshamul Haque, joint general secretary of the Elephant Road Computer Society, with hatchets and other sharp weapons, leaving him severely injured. 

The group also attacked Wahidul Islam Dipu, president of the Multiplan Center Business Association, damaging his vehicle and causing injuries to his leg.

Footage of the attack went viral on social media on Saturday.

Later, Dipu filed a case with New Market Police Station last night, accusing 10 named and 20-25 unnamed individuals, including top-listed criminal Sanjidul Islam Emon, 50. 

The case document alleges that the accused individuals had tried to extort money from several businessmen at the Multiplan Center on Elephant Road. However, the businessmen had refused to pay money, and resisted the threats and intimidations of the accused. Due to this, the accused launched the attack on Dipu and Ehteshamul on Friday night.

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers initially targeted Dipu's car as he was leaving the market. After attempting to break the vehicle, they shifted their focus to Ehtesham, dragging him out and hacking him on the road. 

Ehtesham is now receiving treatment at a private hospital.

Dipu told The Business Standard that the attack was the result of a long-standing extortion dispute.