Dhaka, Sept. 4 -- Police attribute Wednesday night's attack on Shohagh Paribahan's Malibagh counter and the home of a co-owner to a smoking dispute. Investigators say several men smoking outside Ali Hassan Talukder Palash's residence were asked to move by a security guard, sparking an altercation.

When Palash arrived, the confrontation escalated into a clash. Later, more than 50 men armed with sticks returned and attacked Palash, his driver, and the guard, while vandalising the nearby bus counter. Staff who tried to intervene were assaulted.

Palash's brother Majedul Haque Nadim said 60-70 attackers attacked around 11:30 pm, injuring Palash, the driver, and several staff, and attempting to break into Palash's gate. Shohagh Paribahan's Ma...