A counter forensic investigation of the killing of Abu Sayed

SHOOT ME, I BARE MY CHEST.
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. The exhibition “Shoot me, I bare my chest” will be open from 3:00 – 8:00 pm, 11 – 26 July 2025.

Credit for Shoot Me. I Bare My Chest

Drik Picture Library Team
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