Media professional found dead; uproar over workplace sexual harassment allegation
Several social media posts allege that no substantial disciplinary measures were taken against Shahnewaz
Online media outlet Dhaka Stream's graphics designer Swarnamoyee Biswas (26) was found dead in her Dhanmondi apartment in the capital on Saturday evening.
According to OC Imaul Haque of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station, family members found her hanging and rushed her to a private hospital. Informed by family, police later retrieved the body and sent it for an autopsy.
Following her death, social media discussions highlighted a prior workplace sexual harassment complaint she had lodged while working at Dhaka Stream. Several employees had reportedly filed written complaints against Altaf Shahnewaz, the portal's Bangla content editor, months before the incident.
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Swarnamoyee was one of the complainants, which prompted questions online if the unaddressed complaint led to her death.
Attempts to contact Shahnewaz were unsuccessful, and some social media posts allege he was reinstated instead of facing disciplinary action.
Dhaka Stream's response
In an official statement issued at 4pm today (19 October), PM Sajal Ahmed, manager of Human Resources and Administration, said complaints against Shahnewaz were filed on 13 July. Following the complaint, he was removed from the newsroom, and a two-member committee investigated the matter.
Several social media posts allege that no substantial disciplinary measures were taken against Shahnewaz. Dhaka Stream, however, stated that the investigation committee reportedly found evidence of unprofessional conduct in certain instances, and the decision to remove him from the newsroom was sustained.
The statement further reads that staff expressed satisfaction with the decisions, and there was no connection between Sornomoye's death and the complaint filed against Altaf Shahnewaz.
Reactions from rights groups
The incident has sparked concern among women's rights organisations. Bangladesh Mohila Parishad issued a statement highlighting workplace safety for women, while the Amrai Pari – Domestic Violence Prevention Coalition also expressed deep concern. The statement was signed by rights activists including Sultana Kamal, Shaheen Anam, Shipra Hafiza, and Rekha Saha.
Police investigations and the autopsy are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding Swarnamoyee Biswas' death.
