- Former officer KM Tahsif Souri found dead.
- Linked to Sheikh Hasina's departure video.
- Family alleges harassment, death under investigation.
A former Bangladesh Air Force officer, who was reportedly linked to a video showing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina leaving the country in August 2024, has been found dead in Dhaka's Turag River. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, and authorities have ordered a post-mortem examination to determine the cause.
The deceased has been identified as KM Tahsif Souri, a former Air Force flight lieutenant in his late 20s. His body was recovered on Wednesday, October 28, a day after he was reported missing, according to local media reports. Police confirmed the recovery on Thursday.
Souri reportedly came into the spotlight over footage showing Hasina departing Bangladesh aboard a military aircraft on August 5, 2024, following the political upheaval that led to the end of her government. While some reports have linked him to recording the video, his family has claimed that he only shared footage recorded by another officer.
Recommended For You
Body Recovered From Turag River
According to police, Souri’s body was recovered from the Rajabari Ghat area of the Turag River in Dhaka after authorities received information about the body on Wednesday afternoon.
He was reportedly wearing a black shirt and white trousers when the body was found. A mobile phone and a wristwatch recovered with him helped establish his identity.
The body was subsequently sent to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital for an autopsy. Officials have said the exact cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem examination.
Family Alleges Harassment Over Hasina Video
Souri’s death has raised questions after his cousin, Moshfeka Jahan, alleged on social media that he had faced repeated harassment over his reported connection to the video of Hasina leaving Bangladesh.
Jahan claimed that Souri had been subjected to mental harassment even after leaving the Air Force and alleged that he was killed because of the footage. However, these allegations have not been independently established, and authorities have not confirmed any link between the video controversy and his death.
Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said a preliminary investigation was necessary before drawing conclusions. He declined to comment on whether the death was connected to the video.
Former Officer Was Dismissed In 2024
Souri was dismissed from service in August 2024. During a social media podcast in July, he was asked whether his departure from the Air Force was connected to the video showing Hasina leaving the country. He reportedly responded, "Could be."
In a statement issued in August 2025, the military said his retirement had been carried out under institutional rules and that there were no allegations against him. Investigators are yet to establish the circumstances surrounding Souri’s death. The autopsy findings and further police inquiries are expected to provide more clarity on the case.