Dhaka, Oct. 19 -- 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 Shahn...