Dhaka/Geneva: Two young journalists, Abhishruti Shastri and Tusar Hawlader, who worked for a Dhaka-based online media outlet, were among those who perished in a devastating fire in Dhaka on February 29, 2024. The colleagues and family members identified the bodies of Abhishruti and Tusar at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue.
The fire claimed at least 46 lives and left many others seriously injured, among them over 20 individuals were still in critical condition.
The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), the global media safety and rights body, today expressed “profound grief” over the demise of the two Bangladeshi journalists in the devastating fire.
PEC’s South Asia representative Nava Thakuria said Abhishruti (also known as Bristi Khatun) was simultaneously pursuing education in Philosophy from Eden Women`s College in Dhaka. On the fateful evening, she went to a restaurant in Green Cozy Cottage on Bailey Road along with Tusar, where both faced a tragic end. Tusar worked for the online portal after completing his education in the journalism department at Daffodil International University, Savar (Dhaka).
“It’s shocking that two young reporters had to lose their lives in the accident along with many other Bangla citizens. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina- led Bangladesh government in Dhaka should thoroughly investigate all the causes of the shocking fire incident in a crowded area and put accountability on guilty individuals,” Blaise Lempen, president of PEC said, adding that the nearest family members of both Abhishruti and Tusar should be compensated adequately.
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, while expressing shock and sorrow over the fire, directed the concerned officials to take prompt initiatives for necessary treatment in the hospitals. The government also constituted a five-member probe panel. However, the opposition leaders criticised the Hasina government for not properly implementing safety rules and regulations in the congested capital city, where fire incidents are regularly happening.
– global bihari bureau
