A young performer dies. A family raises allegations. A suspected suicide becomes an abetment case. Ridhika Ridhi’s death echoes a troubling pattern that has emerged in Bangladesh’s entertainment industry.
At around 6am on Saturday, model and actress Ridhika Ridhi, 26, was found hanging from a ceiling fan at her home in Bashundhara Residential Area.
Her family rushed her to Kurmitola General Hospital, where doctors declared her dead. Police later sent her body to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for autopsy.
Police initially suspected suicide. Ridhi had reportedly been speaking to her boyfriend, Hasibur Rahman, over a video call shortly before her death, and the two allegedly argued over a relationship-related matter. Investigators found evidence of the call on her phone.
Her mother later filed a case accusing Hasibur of instigating Ridhi to take her own life. Police arrested him from Bashundhara and produced him before a court.
“Our investigation into the matter is ongoing,” said Vatara Police Station OC Mazharul Islam.
Police have not established Hasibur’s involvement. Investigators are examining their relationship, final conversation and the circumstances before Ridhi’s death. The autopsy report will also be crucial.
Who was Ridhika Ridhi?
Ridhi began in modelling before moving into television acting, appearing in Ekhane Manush Bikri Hoi, Bohurupi, Double Honeymoon and Shundori.
She was also active on social media. SI Wadud said her national identity card, obtained from her family, carried the name Leena Akter.
Her death echoes recent showbiz cases. Humaira Himu’s 2023 death led to an abetment case against alleged boyfriend Mohammad Ziauddin Rafi, with charges framed in 2025.
In June, Asma Akter Jhilik’s death led to a similar case against husband Safi Ullah. Actor Zaher Alvi also faced an abetment case over his wife Afra Ibnat Ikra’s death and denied involvement.
The cases differ, and allegations are not proof. But the question remains: when a death is deemed suicide, could someone else have played a role?
For Ridhi, that question now hangs over the investigation.
