Former Bangladesh Air Force Officer Linked to Sheikh Hasina Escape Video Found Dead in Dhaka

Discovery of the Body

A former Bangladesh Air Force officer, reportedly linked to a viral video showing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fleeing the country on August 5, 2024, was found dead near the Turag River in Dhaka. According to police reports, the body of 28-year-old former flight lieutenant Tahsif Souri was recovered on Wednesday, just a day after family members reported him missing.

Police stated that an initial inquest report found no external injury marks on the body, although blood was observed coming from his nose. The remains were subsequently sent to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

Official Statements and Family Claims

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told reporters that a formal comment would be issued only after the initial investigation and autopsy findings are completed. When specifically asked whether Souri had recorded the widely discussed escape video, the minister declined to comment.

According to Tahsif’s father, KM Enayetul Karim Helal, an acquaintance named Dwip took his son out on Tuesday evening. Helal stated that Tahsif managed to send a text message to his mother at approximately 1:30 am on Wednesday, promising to return home shortly, but he never arrived.

Background and Public Controversy

Reports indicate that Tahsif Souri was compulsorily retired from military service a year after the fall of the Hasina government.

Key context surrounding the officer includes:

• Media Interview: During a recent podcast appearance, Tahsif dismissed earlier media reports labeling him an Indian intelligence (RAW) agent as propaganda. However, he neither confirmed nor denied his alleged involvement in recording or sharing the Hasina escape video.
• Military Response: Following the podcast interview, the military's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) directorate reiterated a previous statement denying that disciplinary actions against Tahsif and another officer, Flight Lieutenant Rifat Ashrafi, were connected to the Prime Minister's departure footage.
• Political Reactions: Ashraful Alam Khokan, a former aide to Sheikh Hasina, publicly questioned the circumstances surrounding Tahsif, asking whether media portrayals had deliberately placed him at risk.

Practical Implications and Verification

Independent verification of the incident relies on official police reports and forthcoming autopsy results from Dhaka medical authorities. Observers seeking verified updates are advised to consult official statements from the Bangladesh Ministry of Home Affairs and recognized journalistic wire services covering regional defence and security developments.