Bangladeshi Journalist’s Body Found In Dhaka Lake

Bangladeshi Journalist’s Body Found In Dhaka Lake, Ex-PM Hasina’s Son Says Her Death ‘Brutal Attack’ On Free Speech

Last Updated: August 28, 2024, 18:22 IST

The tragic death of a 32-year-old Bangladeshi TV journalist, identified as Sarah Rahanuma, has sent shockwaves through the nation. Her lifeless body was discovered in Dhaka's Hatirjheel Lake on Monday, according to local media reports. The incident has sparked widespread concern, with the ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed, condemning her death as a "brutal attack" on the freedom of expression in Bangladesh.

Rahanuma was a newsroom editor and anchor at Gazi TV, a well-known secular news channel in the country. Her untimely death has raised serious questions about the safety of journalists in Bangladesh, where press freedom has increasingly come under threat. The Dhaka Tribune reported that Rahanuma's body was found floating in the lake, a discovery that has left the nation in mourning and disbelief.

In a statement on social media platform X, Wazed expressed his outrage and sorrow over Rahanuma's death. He highlighted the incident as another example of the growing dangers faced by journalists in the country. “Rahmuna Sara Gazi, TV newsroom editor, was found dead. Her body was recovered from Hatirjheel Lake in Dhaka city. This is another brutal attack on freedom of expression in Bangladesh. Gazi TV is a secular news channel owned by Golam Dastagir Gazi, who was recently arrested,” Wazed stated.

The grim discovery of Rahanuma's body was first made by a local resident who saw her floating in the lake. The body was then taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), where doctors pronounced her dead. The man who brought her body to the hospital described the harrowing scene, stating, “I saw the woman floating in Hatirjheel Lake. Then she was brought to DMCH, where doctors declared her dead.”

Prior to her death, Rahanuma had shared a poignant post on Facebook, which has since taken on an eerie significance. In the post, she tagged a friend, Fahim Faysal, and wrote: “It was nice having a friend like you. God bless you always. Hope you’ll fulfil all your dreams soon. I know we had a lot of planning together. Sorry, I can’t fulfil our plans. May God bless you in every aspect of your life.” Her words, laced with a sense of finality, also included a haunting sentiment: “It is better to die than to live a life akin to death.”

The circumstances surrounding Rahanuma's death remain unclear, and the authorities are under pressure to conduct a thorough investigation. The Hatirjheel police station has recorded the incident, and her body has been placed in the DMCH morgue for further examination. Inspector Bachchu Mia, in charge of the hospital’s outpost, confirmed the details to Bangladeshi news outlets, adding that the investigation is ongoing.

Rahanuma’s death has reignited discussions about the precarious state of press freedom in Bangladesh. Journalists in the country have long faced threats, harassment, and violence for their work, particularly those who challenge the status quo or report on sensitive issues. The murder of a journalist not only silences a voice but also sends a chilling message to others in the profession.

The incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of human rights in Bangladesh. International organisations have repeatedly criticised the government for its crackdown on dissent and the suppression of free speech. The arrest of Golam Dastagir Gazi, the owner of Gazi TV, had already sparked concerns about the targeting of independent media in the country. Now, with the death of one of its prominent journalists, those concerns have only deepened.

As the investigation into Rahanuma’s death continues, her colleagues and supporters are left grappling with the loss of a talented and dedicated journalist. The outpouring of grief and anger on social media reflects the widespread dismay at the state of press freedom in Bangladesh. Many are calling for justice, not only for Rahanuma but for all journalists who have faced threats or violence for doing their jobs.

The international community has also taken note of the incident, with human rights organisations urging the Bangladeshi government to protect journalists and ensure that those responsible for such heinous acts are held accountable. The death of Sarah Rahanuma serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that journalists face in their pursuit of truth and the vital role they play in upholding democracy and human rights.

In the wake of this tragedy, there is a renewed call for solidarity among journalists, human rights activists, and the international community to defend the principles of free speech and press freedom. The loss of Sarah Rahanuma is not just a loss for her family and friends, but a loss for the entire nation. Her death must not be in vain, and it is imperative that her legacy serves as a catalyst for change in the protection of journalists and the promotion of free expression in Bangladesh.