“This is another brutal attack on freedom of expression"
The body of Sarah Rahanuma, a 32-year-old journalist at Gazi TV, was discovered in Hatirjheel Lake, Dhaka.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the journalism community in Bangladesh.
Her untimely demise was swiftly disseminated by local media outlets.
The reports detail the grim discovery made by a man named Sagar, who stumbled upon her body adrift in the lake.
Rushing her to a nearby hospital, his efforts were in vain as medical professionals declared her dead.
The profound impact of Sarah’s death reverberated beyond the confines of Dhaka, drawing attention from prominent figures such as Sajeeb Wazed.
He is the son of ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In a statement, Wazed condemned the loss of Sarah Rahanuma as yet another blow to the cherished freedom of expression in the nation.
Expressing his dismay on X, Mr Wazed underscored the significance of Sarah’s role as a Gazi TV newsroom editor.
He also emphasised the gravity of the incident in the context of ongoing challenges to free speech and press freedoms in Bangladesh.
Wazed wrote: “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 arrested recently.”
His sentiments reflected a broader concern over the evolving landscape of media activism and editorial independence in Bangladesh.
Prior to her tragic demise, Sarah Rahanuma shared two cryptic Facebook posts.
One post read: “It is better to die than to live a life corresponding to death.”
Her second one tagged a man named Fahim Faysal and hinted at unfulfilled aspirations.
“It was nice having a friend like you. God bless you always. Hope, you’ll fulfil all your dreams soon.
“I know we had lots of planning together. Sorry, can’t fulfil our plannings. May god bless you in every aspect of your life.”
Approximately an hour later, Fahim commented on her post. It read:
“You’re the best friend I’ve ever met, don’t ruin this friendship! Don’t do any harm to yourself.”
As authorities launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sarah Rahanuma’s death, the incident has been formally reported to Hatirjheel Police Station.
Inspector Bachchu Mia is overseeing the transfer of her body to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue.
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