Former Bangladesh Air Force officer KM Tahsif Souri, reportedly linked to footage of Sheikh Hasina leaving Bangladesh in August 2024, was found dead in Dhaka’s Turag River. His family has alleged murder, while authorities await postmortem findings. (Images: X)
Dhaka: A former Bangladesh Air Force officer reportedly linked to footage of Sheikh Hasina leaving Bangladesh in August 2024 has been found dead in Dhaka, prompting allegations from his family and calls for clarity over the circumstances. Flight Lieutenant KM Tahsif Souri, 28, was reported missing on October 27.
His body was recovered from the Turag River near Rajabari Ghat on Wednesday, October 28, according to reports citing river police. Authorities said the cause of death would be determined through a postmortem examination.
Souri’s cousin, Moshfeka Jahan, alleged in a Facebook post that he was murdered because of his reported connection to the video showing Hasina’s departure. She claimed he had faced repeated harassment after the footage circulated and alleged that surveillance continued even after he left the Air Force.
These claims have not been independently verified. Police have not confirmed foul play, and officials said the precise cause of death remained unknown. Reports said an iPhone found in his pocket helped authorities establish his identity.
Hasina left Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, amid mass protests that culminated in her resignation after 15 years in power. Reports said she travelled aboard a military aircraft to India’s Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad. Footage of her departure subsequently circulated online, and Souri was reportedly linked to its recording or sharing. However, authorities have not confirmed his role in releasing the video or established any connection between it and his death.
Souri’s death has renewed attention on the controversy surrounding the footage and his reported departure from military service in August 2024. Any suggestion of a link between the video dispute and his death remains unproven. Investigators’ findings and the postmortem report are expected to provide further clarity.
