“Attack on freedom of expression”: Sheikh Hasina’s son after Bangladeshi TV journalist found dead in Dhaka

The body of 32-year-old Sarah Rahanuma, a prominent news editor at Gazi TV, was recovered from Hatirjheel Lake in Dhaka on Wednesday, local media reported. The discovery of her body has sparked concerns about press freedom in the country.

Sajeeb Wazed, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, condemned Rahanuma's death on social media, calling it “another brutal attack” on freedom of expression in Bangladesh.

In a post on Platform X, he stated: “Rahmuna Sara, editor of Gazi TV's news desk, has been found dead. Her body was recovered from Hatirjheel Lake in Dhaka. This is another brutal attack on freedom of expression in Bangladesh.” Gazi TV, a secular news channel, is owned by Golam Dastagir Gazi, who was reportedly arrested earlier this month.

Witnesses described how the body was discovered. A man who found Rahanuma's remains said, “I saw the woman floating in Hatirjheel Lake. She was later taken to DMCH where doctors declared her dead.”

Before her tragic death, Rahanuma had posted a melancholic status on Facebook on Tuesday evening in which she mentioned a friend, Fahim Faysal.

Her post read, “It was nice to have a friend like you. God bless you always. I hope you fulfill all your dreams soon. I know we had a lot planned together. Sorry but we cannot fulfill our plans. May God bless you in every aspect of your life.” In an earlier update, she expressed her despair, saying, “It is better to die than to live a life that resembles death.”

Inspector Bachchu Mia of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) police station confirmed the incident and noted that the case has been reported to Hatirjheel police station for further investigation. The journalist's body has been kept at the DMCH mortuary while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of her death.

The case has raised concerns among media professionals and press freedom advocates in the region.