Bangladesh Air Force Officer Linked to Video of Sheikh Hasina Fleeing Bangladesh Found Dead in River

The mysterious death of a former Bangladesh Air Force officer linked to a widely circulated video of Sheikh Hasina leaving the country in August 2024 has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his final hours. KM Tahsif Souri, 28, was found dead in the Turag River near Rajabari Ghat in Tongi on October 28, a day after he reportedly went missing.

Souri, who lived in Dhaka’s Uttara area, disappeared on the night of October 27. His family said he had gone downstairs after a younger friend came to call him. He did not return home. At around 1.35 am, his mother reportedly received a message from him saying, “Mummy, I’m coming.” The family was unable to locate him afterwards.

River police recovered his body at around 4.30 pm the following day. He was identified through his mobile phone and wristwatch. An initial examination found no visible external injury marks, although blood was reportedly seen coming from his nose. The cause of death remains unconfirmed, with postmortem findings awaited.

Souri’s cousin, Moshfeka Jahan, has alleged that he was murdered. She claimed he faced mental harassment after sharing footage connected to Hasina’s departure and alleged that detectives continued following him after his retirement from the Air Force. These claims have not been independently established.

Souri became known online for footage widely associated with Hasina leaving Bangladesh aboard a military aircraft on August 5, 2024, during the political upheaval that ended her premiership. His cousin has maintained that he shared the footage but did not record it himself.

His father, meanwhile, said Souri had occasionally expressed unease about his safety but had never disclosed any specific threat. The family has not identified anyone responsible for his death.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the government will await the investigation and postmortem examination before drawing conclusions. Police are investigating the circumstances of Souri’s disappearance and death.