Dhaka Stream staffer Swarnamoyee’s death highlights alleged abuse, toxic media office

The recent death of a 28-year-old Dhaka Stream employee, Swarnamoyee Biswas, has sparked widespread discussion on social media.

Relatives and police believe she took her own life. Some, however, point to alleged misconduct by a senior official at the media outlet -- against whom Swarnamoyee and 26 colleagues had filed serious complaints, including allegations of “sexual harassment” and “abusive behaviour”.

Three months ago, the complaints were formally submitted in writing. Recently, three of the complainants were informed that their contracts would not be renewed.

Amid rising online debate, Dhaka Stream issued a statement on Sunday asserting that Swarnamoyee’s death was unrelated to the complaints against Altaf Shahnewaz, Bangla Content Editor of the online portal, claiming social media “misinformation” is circulating regarding the three-month-old case.

Swarnamoyee’s body was recovered Saturday night from Popular Hospital in Dhanmondi, according to Tejgaon Deputy Commissioner Ibn-e-Mizan.

Mizan said she lived with her brother and sister-in-law on the 15th floor of Navana Tower, Sobhanbagh. On Saturday afternoon, her aunt visited. While speaking to relatives, Swarnamoyee asked to change clothes and locked her room. After prolonged silence, family members forced the door open, finding her hanging. Doctors at Popular Hospital declared her dead.

Mizan added, “The body has been sent to [Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital] for postmortem. She had a history of migraines. A blade-like cut was visible near her left wrist, but no note was found.”

Dhaka Stream broke the news around 3:15am, saying Swarnamoyee joined as a trainee graphic designer earlier this year after graduating from Home Economics College. Dhaka Stream Editor-in-Chief Golam Iftekhar Mahmud expressed deep condolences.

Freelance journalist Moushumi Acharya, a relative, described Swarnamoyee as deeply cherished by her family.

“She was like a bird to her brothers and loved by all,” she said, adding that four days before her death, they had a lengthy video call.

Moushumi said Swarnamoyee had complained of a “toxic culture” at Dhaka Stream, largely due to Altaf.

“During her eight months at the office, most of her distress and frustration stemmed from his behaviour. She constantly questioned why he attacked her verbally, undermining her confidence,” Moushumi said.

According to Moushumi, Altaf allegedly made humiliating remarks about Swarnamoyee’s body, though she was never physically touched.

“His words alone repeatedly violated her dignity and psychological safety. This continued systematically, and the office was aware,” she said.

Swarnamoyee had sought help from her brother and her cousin, Sanjay Adhikari, who is Moushumi’s husband. A TV journalist confirmed that several Dhaka Stream employees had lodged complaints against Altaf.

Seven female staffers and 26 colleagues had filed eight formal allegations on Jul 13, including sexual harassment, bullying, and inappropriate conduct.

One complainant described late-night calls from Altaf asking about personal matters and threatening not to provide her with a joining letter if performance was deemed insufficient.

Investigations were promised but remained incomplete for three months. Although a two-member committee was formed, Altaf reportedly began violating restrictions soon after.

Swarnamoyee, described as reserved, faced both office and family pressures, according to her associates.

Sojol Ahmed, Dhaka Stream HR manager, confirmed receipt of the Jul 13 complaint titled “Lodging Complaint Against Inappropriate Workplace Behaviour”.

Shahnewaz was temporarily removed from the office and barred from contacting female staff. The HR department claimed the investigation found evidence of inappropriate behaviour, but no proof of sexual harassment.

Despite attempts, Chief Editor Iftekhar did not respond by phone. Later, Dhaka Stream issued a statement confirming limited inappropriate behaviour by Shahnewaz, reiterating that his actions were unrelated to Swarnamoyee’s death.

Another social media allegation suggested that three employees were denied contract renewal as retaliation.

One team member, Shatabdika Urmi, said termination during an ongoing investigation is unusual. Another, Sajib Tushar, said the move appeared “experimental” for raising complaints. HR Manager Sojol denied this, citing performance issues during the six-month contract.

Attempts to contact Altaf failed. His wife Fatema Abedin Nazla later said he was sedated with sleeping pills, and Dhaka Stream’s statement reflected his version.

Swarnamoyee’s funeral will take place in her hometown of Jhenaidah. Her brother Sourav Biswas said in the evening, “We are taking the body to Jhenaidah.”