Published: 11:54 PM, 10 March 2026
'Maayer Daak' documentary launched at Film Archive
A new documentary focusing on the lives of women whose family members have been victims of enforced disappearance over the past decade and a half has officially begun its journey.
Titled 'Maayer Daak', the project received a government grant for the 2024-25 fiscal year and was formally launched on Saturday, March 8, at the Bangladesh Film Archive, coinciding with International Women's Day.
The initiative aims to bring attention to the emotional, social and financial challenges faced by families left behind after such incidents, with particular emphasis on the experiences of mothers, wives and children.
The launch event was chaired by Sanjida Islam Tulee, convener of the organisation Maayer Daak, a platform formed by families of individuals who have been forcibly disappeared. Addressing the gathering, she said that the absence of a loved one places immense strain on families, especially women, who often shoulder the responsibility of sustaining households while coping with uncertainty and grief.
She explained that the documentary will explore how these women navigate daily life, raise children in difficult circumstances, confront social stigma, and persist in their search for answers about the fate of their missing relatives. According to her, the film also seeks to underline the importance of uncovering the truth, securing justice and ensuring accountability.
The documentary is being directed by filmmaker Labib Nazmush Shakib. Speaking about the project, he noted that the film will centre on the lived experiences of women connected to cases of disappearance, presenting their stories through participatory and reflexive documentary techniques.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, attended the event as the chief guest. In his remarks, he said he was familiar with the pain endured by many families affected by enforced disappearances and welcomed the initiative to document these realities. He expressed hope that the film would portray the events with accuracy and reach audiences beyond the country.
State Minister for Information Yeaser Khan Choudhury, who was present as a special guest, described the project as a meaningful step and noted that the Ministry of Information had extended financial support for the documentary.
The programme was also attended by photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam, Member of Parliament Humam Quader Chowdhury, Anisur Rahman Khokon, and Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, among others.
