Forensic Film Challenges Official Account of Abu Sayed’s Death
A year after the July uprising, an independent forensic investigation jointly conducted by Bangladesh-based Drik Picture Library and UK-based Forensic Architecture has raised serious questions about the official narrative surrounding the death of Abu Sayed, a student at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur. Sayed was killed during the protests, with government reports initially claiming he died from "stones and firearms" used by demonstrators.
Contradicting this version, the counter-forensic investigation has been presented in the form of a documentary film titled “Buk Pethechi, Guli Kor” (I Bared My Chest, Shoot Me). According to a press release from Drik, the film premiered on Friday evening, July 11, at Drik Gallery in Panthapath, Dhaka.
“This counter-forensic investigation presents a detailed analysis of the tragic killing of Abu Sayed, a student protester involved in the quota reform movement,” reads the statement.
Using interviews, photogrammetry, heat maps, satellite imagery, photographs, and video evidence, the investigation reportedly highlights inconsistencies in the government’s account of the events. Drik noted, “The findings suggest a deliberate role of police and excessive use of force, thereby casting doubt on the claim of violence from protesters.”
Drik emphasized that “this collective presentation of the film introduces us to a rigorous and thoughtful investigative process that opens space for dialogue on the political dynamics surrounding Abu Sayed’s death, and highlights the broader importance of truth and justice.”
The film's inaugural screening was hosted by photographer and Drik Managing Director Shahidul Alam. Also present were Jumana Bawazier, a researcher with Forensic Architecture; Tasneem Khalil, Editor-in-Chief of Netra News; and Nicolas Alistair Masterton, a technology researcher with Forensic Architecture.
Notable attendees included Golzar Rahman Ador, photojournalist from Kaler Kantho in Rangpur; Asaduzzaman Arman, staff cameraman for NTV; Tawhidul Haque Siam, a student and correspondent at Begum Rokeya University; and Parvez Ahmed Roni, photojournalist and network coordinator at Drik.
The exhibition, curated by ASM Rezaur Rahman, will run until July 26 and is open to all daily from 3 PM to 8 PM at Level 2 of DrikPath Bhaban.
