Dhaka (TIP): Mystery surrounds the death of former Bangladesh Air Force flight lieutenant KM Tahsif Souri, who is believed to have recorded the viral video that showed former prime minister Shekh Hasina fleeing Bangladesh amid the student uprising in 2024. The discovery of Souri’s body in a river in Dhaka has drawn renewed attention to his sudden exit from the Air Force and allegations of his links with India’s spy agency, RAW. Months before his death, Souri addressed these issues in an explosive podcast and also questioned the government’s handling of the 2025 fighter jet crash at a school that left over 35 dead.
The body of the former Bangladesh Air Force officer was found floating in the Turag River in Dhaka on October 28, over 24 hours after he went missing. Souri left his home on October 27 with a friend to repair his motorcycle but never returned. The 28-year-old’s father and cousin have alleged that he was murdered, according to a report in Dhaka Tribune. While the police have remained tight-lipped, Souri’s controversial past has come under renewed scrutiny.
For the report, we have scoured through past reports in Bangladeshi media and tried to piece together the circumstances in which he was dismissed from service in August 2024, days after Hasina fled to India.
Souri first drew public attention over his reported role in recording and circulating the footage of Hasina leaving Bangladesh on August 5, 2024. Hasina fled to India as her Awami League government collapsed amid violent student-led protests, which left over 500 dead.
The video circulated widely on social media, prompting questions about who had recorded and released it. Interestingly, days after the video, Souri was dismissed from service in September 2024. The Bangladesh Air Force, however, said it was not linked to the recording and sharing of the Hasina video.
Souri’s father said the family was told that his son was dismissed over disciplinary issues. However, the family doubted the explanation, pointing to his exemplary service record and nearly 200 hours of flying experience. His family said becoming a pilot was Souri’s childhood dream.
After his dismissal, Souri worked with several organisations, including the Bangladesh Cricket Board and Netra News. He had recently started a security guard supply business.
Life had begun to return to normal for Souri before he found himself back in the headlines last year in August.
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