Dhaka, Oct 30: KM Tahsif Souri, a former officer of the Bangladesh Air Force, has died under mysterious circumstances. He had previously shared a video on social media showing former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina leaving the country. His body was discovered in the Turag River in Dhaka on October 28. His family has alleged that there may be a conspiracy behind his death, and several questions have been raised regarding the incident.
Tahsif had served as a Flight Lieutenant in the Bangladesh Air Force. It is reported that he had shared a video capturing the moment Sheikh Hasina departed Bangladesh in a military helicopter on August 5, 2024. His family alleges that he was subjected to harassment precisely because he shared this video.
Left with a friend in the evening, never returned home.
According to his family, Tahsif went shopping with his mother on October 27. Later that evening, he left the house after receiving a call from a close friend. Around 1:35 AM, he sent a message to his mother stating that he was on his way home; however, he never returned.
His body was found in the Turag River the following day. Although his identity was not immediately clear, it was confirmed via an iPhone found in his pocket. The body has been sent to the Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital in Dhaka for a post-mortem examination. It is reported that a friend who had accompanied Tahsif informed the family that, after they had a meal together, he had dropped Tahsif off near his home.
Allegations of Harassment Over Sharing a Video of Hasina
Tahsif had been dismissed from the Air Force last year. A newspaper had reported that he allegedly had links with Indian intelligence agencies, including RAW. Subsequently, his passport was reportedly confiscated for two years. His family has alleged that he continued to face mental harassment even after these events.
Tahsif’s cousin, Moshfeka Jahan, stated in a social media post that sharing a video showing Hasina leaving the country might have been the cause of his death. However, the police have not yet confirmed this allegation.
What Did He Say on a Podcast Before His Death?
On July 21, Tahsif appeared on a YouTube channel called ‘Speak with Rashid.’ In a podcast focused on the Bangladesh Air Force, he shared his personal experiences. During the same event, questions were raised regarding a video showing Hasina leaving the country. On that occasion, she had remarked that there is no higher purpose than making a sacrifice for one’s nation. In the wake of her death, this statement has once again become a subject of discussion.
Mystery of the death to be revealed only through investigation
Although Tahsif’s body was discovered in a river, the circumstances of his death remain unclear. The police have yet to determine whether this was a murder or if the death occurred due to other reasons. The post-mortem report and the police investigation will play a crucial role in this case. The family alleges that Tahsif was killed specifically because he shared the video of Hasina; however, the actual cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed.