YouTuber and content creator Salman Muqtadir has said he will no longer invest in Bangladesh, following the demolition of his studio, while discussing the country’s situation, his personal challenges and his future plans at a special screening of the AI-generated short film Gap in Dhaka on Saturday.

The film, which was made using artificial intelligence, has received clearance for release from the Bangladesh Film Certification Board. Its special screening was held at Star Cineplex in SKS Tower, Mohakhali, where Salman spoke to journalists about a range of issues.

Asked about the country’s overall situation, Salman said he had tried to reach out to the government but had received no response.

“I have not yet been given any opportunity to say anything to the government. I tried to take the initiative and made a proposal with complete sincerity. But I have not received any response so far. So I feel that even if I say something, there will be no opportunity for it to be heard,” he said.

Speaking about law and order, Salman said those responsible for addressing the issue should be the ones speaking about it. Ordinary citizens, he added, could only share their experiences, which might be positive or negative.

He also said he did not intend to deliver any new message, pointing to the frustration and mental distress many people were experiencing.

“People have become mentally distressed, and everyone is deeply disappointed. I do not want to put people under further pressure by adding something new,” he said.

Salman also spoke about the difficult period he and his family were going through. He said they were trying to overcome a major crisis and acknowledged that he had suffered both emotionally and financially.

However, he said he did not want to dwell on his difficulties. “I do not like sitting around expressing sorrow,” he said, adding that he believed people should prepare themselves for difficult times while pursuing good things in life.

Asked about his wife's support for his work, Salman said he received considerable help from her. He stressed that both partners had an equal role in supporting each other and building a relationship.

He was also asked about his father-in-law being mentioned in connection with the incidents surrounding him. Salman said he had not been given an opportunity to seek clarification or discuss the matter directly with those making allegations.

“I have said that I am guilty. If those blaming me had all sat me down and spoken to me, there would have been no problem in admitting fault and resolving the matter,” he said. He criticised the circulation of allegations without evidence.

Reflecting on the wider impact of such incidents, Salman said public accusations could destroy people's reputations and careers, particularly for those who lacked the ability to cope with the pressure.

He called for greater accountability and responsibility when dealing with such situations, saying the consequences could be devastating for some people.

Salman also acknowledged that public figures enjoyed the benefits of fame, money and popularity, but argued that they could not expect to avoid its negative consequences.

Asked whether he planned to continue working in Bangladesh following the demolition of his studio, Salman said he had never planned to stay in the country permanently.

“I have said before that I will not continue running the studio in Bangladesh. That was my personal opinion and a statement I wanted to make. I will no longer invest in Bangladesh,” he said.