“She Dreamed of Becoming a Doctor — Instead, the World Lost Raudha Athif Too Soon

Raudha Athif was a young Maldivian model and medical student who gained international fame for her striking aqua-blue eyes and stunning beauty. Born in 1996 in the Maldives, Raudha dreamed of becoming a doctor like her father, even though she also had a passion for modeling.

Her photos first went viral in 2014, capturing global attention. She balanced her modeling career with her studies at Islami Bank Medical College in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Despite Bangladesh being a conservative Muslim country, Raudha pursued her passion while respecting local customs, often wearing traditional clothes for college but continuing her modeling work in her free time.

In October 2016, Raudha achieved a major milestone when she appeared on the cover of Vogue India, a rare honor for a Maldivian model. Her fame brought both admiration and criticism, as some argued her work went against cultural norms. However, Raudha remained focused on her goal of becoming a doctor, using modeling as a side pursuit rather than a full-time career.

Tragically, on 29 March 2017, Raudha was found lifeless in her hostel room in Rajshahi. Her body was discovered hanging from a ceiling fan. Initial reports and the first autopsy suggested self harm, with investigators noting messages she sent to her ex-boyfriend expressing heartbreak and despair.

However, Raudha’s family raised serious doubts about the self harm theory. Her father, Dr. Mohamed Athif, believed his daughter had been killed. He pointed out alleged inconsistencies, such as bruising on her neck and the condition of her hostel room and door. Raudha’s brother also expressed doubts, stating she was a lively and cheerful person with no signs of depression.

After her demise, multiple investigations were carried out, including a second autopsy and a Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) report in 2019, which concluded that Raudha had committed self harm due to emotional distress over a breakup. Despite this, her family continued to question the findings and requested further investigation. In 2022, a Bangladeshi court ordered a fresh probe into her demise.

Raudha’s story remains widely discussed because it highlights the struggles of balancing personal dreams with public scrutiny. She was admired not only for her beauty but also for her intelligence and ambition. Her untimely demise at just 21 years old shocked the world, and debates about whether it was self harm or intentional harm continue to this day.