The body of a Bangladeshi television journalist was discovered in Dhaka's Hatirjheel Lake on Wednesday, sparking widespread concern over the state of press freedom in the country. The journalist, identified as 32-year-old Sarah Rahanuma, served as a newsroom editor at Gazi TV, a prominent news channel.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the US-based son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, condemned the incident in a post on X, describing it as "another brutal attack on freedom of expression in Bangladesh." He emphasised the need to protect journalists in the country, where freedom of the press has increasingly come under threat.
Local media, including the Dhaka Tribune, reported that Rahanuma's body was found floating in Hatirjheel Lake by a passerby who later brought her to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Upon arrival, doctors declared her dead. The discovery has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding her death, particularly in light of her recent social media activity.
On Tuesday night, just hours before her body was found, Rahanuma posted a cryptic message on Facebook, tagging a friend named Fahim Faysal. "It was nice having a friend like you. God bless you always. Hope you'll fulfill all your dreams soon. I know we had a lot of planning together. Sorry, can't fulfill our plans. May God bless you in every aspect of your life," she wrote. In a previous post, she had expressed deep despair, stating, "It is better to die than to live a life akin to death."
Inspector Bachchu Mia, the officer in charge of the DMCH police outpost, confirmed the incident and noted that the body is being held at the hospital morgue. The case has been reported to the Hatirjheel police station, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of death.
This tragic event has heightened concerns about the safety of journalists in Bangladesh, particularly those working for media outlets like Gazi TV, which has faced scrutiny following the recent arrest of its owner, Golam Dastagir Gazi.
(With inputs from ANI)