A counter forensic investigation of the killing of Abu Sayed

On July 16, 2024, Abu Sayed, a student activist at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, was killed during a protest. His death became a turning point in the July Uprising in Bangladesh, which ultimately toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government. The official narrative claimed that Sayed was killed by protesters using bricks and firearms. However, counter-forensic investigations have revealed a different story, exposing police responsibility and the use of lethal force. Drik Picture Library in Bangladesh and Forensic Architecture in the UK conducted thorough analyses, combining in-depth interviews, photogrammetry, heat maps, satellite imagery, and photographic and video evidence to expose inconsistencies in the official narrative, pointing to deliberate police actions and contradicting claims of protester violence. The Global Premier of the Film and Exhibition took place on Friday 11 July 2025 at DrikPath Bhobon, Dhaka. Jumanah Bawazir of Forensic Architecture, delivered a public lecture, titled “Subverting State Narratives: Community experts and counter forensics” on 12 July at 6 pm.

Executive Producer: Shahidul Alam Drone Footage, Visual Research and on-site interviews: Parvez Ahmad Other Photographs: Goljar Rahmad Ador Other videos: Abdul Goni, NTV, Jamuna TV Subtitling and Translation: Rahnuma Ahmed Coordination: Saydia Gulrukh, ASM Rezaur Rahman, Kamal Hossen

Forensic Architecture Team Researcher-in-Charge: Jumanah Bawazir Research: Nicholas Masterton Research Assistance: Sofia Rudi Kent Video Editing: Jumanah Bawazir, Adam Ryzman, Natalia Sliwinska Research Support: Samaneh Moafi Editorial Support: Elizabeth Breiner, Isabella Parlamis, Robert Trafford