Renowned Bangladeshi Journalist Vibhoranjan Sarkar Found Dead in Meghna River, Questions Raised Over Circumstances
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, August 22, 2025
Bangladesh is reeling from the sudden and mysterious death of renowned journalist Vibhoranjan Sarkar, popularly known as Vibhu Da, whose body was recovered from the Meghna River on Friday morning. He was 71.
The senior assistant editor of Ajker Patrika had gone missing a day earlier, on Thursday, August 21, after leaving his Siddheshwari residence around 10 AM for his office in Banasree. He never arrived. His son filed a General Diary (GD) late that night, reporting his disappearance.
On Friday, August 22, river police recovered his body floating in the Meghna River near Kalagachhia, along the Munshiganj- Narayanganj border in Gazaria. The body was identified through photographs and later confirmed by his family members at Munshiganj General Hospital, where it was sent for autopsy.
It is alleged that Just a day before his death, Vibhoranjan had published a provocative article in bdnews24 questioning the role of Bangladesh’s military and police in recent political violence. In the piece, he alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had been flown to Delhi in a military helicopter and wrote that killings in Bangladesh were carried out not only by police bullets but also through orchestrated militant operations.
The article sparked controversy, drawing sharp criticism and accusations against both him and the publication. Now, his sudden death has raised speculation
was it a silencing of a critical voice, or a tragic act of despair?
In what appears to be his last submitted work, an Open Letter (Khola Chithi) sent around 9:15 AM on the day he disappeared, Vibhoranjan revealed deep personal and professional struggles. He candidly mentioned his financial hardships, deteriorating health, family difficulties, job insecurity, and the stifling media environment under government pressure. He hinted that it might be his final piece of writing.
Authorities reported no visible injuries on the journalist’s body. His spectacles were still hanging around his neck.
The death of Vibhoranjan Sarkar has sent shockwaves through Bangladesh’s media fraternity, heightening concerns about the safety of journalists and the shrinking space for independent voices. His passing marks a grave moment for press freedom in the country.
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