Masked assailants viciously hacked two prominent computer business leaders Md Ehtesamul Haque, Joint Member Secretary of ECS Computer City and Md. Wahidul Hasan Dipu, President of the Elephant Road Computer Traders' Welfare Association with machetes in Elephant Road area of the capital city after failing to extort money.
On Friday (January 10), the brutal assault took place at 10:45pm in front of the Multiplan Centre, leaving both leaders severely injured.
Ehtesamul Haque is in critical condition and receiving treatment in the ICU of Popular General Hospital. Wahidul Hasan Dipu narrowly escaped with minor injuries.
Dipu filed an attempted murder case at New Market Police Station against notorious criminal Sanjidul Islam, also known as Imon, and ten accomplices. However, as of Saturday night, none of the attackers had been apprehended, prompting widespread protests by traders in the area.
In the wake of the attack, the traders of Greater Elephant Road pulled down their shutters in numbers, staged demonstrations and formed a human chain, on Saturday afternoon. They pressed for rapid justice, demanding strong action from the government against such criminal activities. The protesters pointed out the need for unity among traders, heightened public awareness through media and social platforms, and tougher government measures against incidents like those experienced to prevent future occurrences.
"We cannot let these criminals intimidate us. Together, we must stand against such acts of terror," said Nazrul Islam Hazari, Vice President of ECS Computer City.
Witnesses reported that around 9 to 10 masked attackers ambushed the two leaders as they were leaving Multiplan Centre. Ehtesamul was dragged to the street and repeatedly hacked with machetes, while Wahidul, who was in his car, was also targeted. The attackers vandalised his vehicle before he managed to escape. Two other vehicles in the building's underground parking lot were also damaged during the assault.
The attack is believed to stem from a recent conflict over extortion demands. On December 22, members of Imon's gang allegedly demanded money from traders in the area. Following their refusal and subsequent resistance, the gang vowed retaliation.
Ehtesamul and Wahidul were elected to their positions in the ECS Executive Committee elections on December 28, with Wahidul becoming president unopposed. However, Wahidul dismissed any connection between the attack and the election, attributing it instead to the gang's extortion threats.
Wahidul stated, "This is not about the election; it's retaliation for resisting their illegal demands" .
The incident, captured on CCTV and shared widely on social media, has intensified public outrage. A viral video shows masked attackers brutally assaulting Ehtesamul with machetes.
New Market Police Sub-Inspector Md Pavel confirmed that efforts to identify and apprehend the culprits are underway using CCTV footage. "We are taking this case seriously and will bring the perpetrators to justice," he said.
The attack has left the local business community in shock and fear. The traders have demanded swift action from law enforcement to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Speaking at the human chain, market president Zahirul Islam stressed the importance of solidarity, saying, "We will not allow violence to disrupt our businesses. We are united and will fight back against these threats."
Local law enforcement officials have promised to assist in bringing the attackers to justice, while the traders have vowed to resist criminal activities collectively.
The tense atmosphere on Elephant Road highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures and accountability for those involved in such heinous acts.
