Bangladesh ex-Air Force officer linked to Sheikh Hasina’s escape video found dead

Bangladesh authorities discovered the body of former Air Force Flight Lieutenant KM Tahsif Souri on Thursday in the Turag River, exactly one day after he was reported missing. Souri, believed to be in his late 20s, was reportedly the individual who recorded a video of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina leaving the country on an Air Force aircraft on August 5, 2024.

The body was recovered from the Rajabari Ghat area of the Turag River, according to Tongi River Police Outpost officer-in-charge Firoz Uddin. The deceased was found wearing a black shirt and white trousers, and his body has been sent to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital for an autopsy. Police have not yet confirmed whether Souri's death is linked to the controversial video or any other potential hostility.

Bangladesh's Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that a preliminary investigation is necessary before drawing any conclusions. Souri was reportedly dismissed from service in August 2024 and was under intelligence surveillance following his dismissal. In a social media podcast, Souri suggested that his job loss could be connected to the video he recorded of Hasina's departure.