In the quiet corridors of Dhaka Medical College, Dr. Momtaz Ara moves with a calm resolve that belies the grim realities of her work. A forensic medicine specialist with over 15 years of experience, she has conducted more than a thousand post-mortems, examining bodies ranging from the recently deceased to severely decomposed remains. Her composure, she says, comes from years of confronting death and the stark truths it unveils.
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First Impressions
“I once received just two hands for examination,” Dr. Momtaz recalls. “By looking, I could estimate the victim’s age at 30–35. I conducted the hand post-mortem while another doctor would examine the rest of the body if and when it arrived.”
For most, such work would be harrowing—but Dr. Momtaz remains unfazed. Her strength stems not from indifference, but from rigorous training and unwavering commitment to justice.
Choosing Forensic Medicine
After completing her MBBS at Rangpur Medical College, Dr. Momtaz began teaching at Tairunnnesa Memorial Medical College in Gazipur. There, Professor Bibhutibhushan Sarkar encouraged her to pursue postgraduate studies in forensic medicine.
“I initially wanted to specialise in gynaecology,” she says. “But Professor Sarkar insisted I had the courage for forensics. His belief in me was pivotal.”
In 2009, she enrolled in a Diploma in Forensic Medicine at Sir Salimullah Medical College. Early in her training, she recognised the critical need for female forensic doctors, particularly for examining women and children, as mandated by the High Court.
“Forensic medicine isn’t only about post-mortems,” she explains. “It includes rape examinations, age and sex determination, and paternity or maternity tests. Female victims must be examined by female doctors, yet Bangladesh has far too few.”
Early Career Challenges
Her first posting in Purbadhala, Netrokona, involved verifying injuries in minor scuffles. Many would exaggerate injuries for personal gain, forcing her to navigate threats and manipulation.
“I’m firm. I document exactly what I observe. Sometimes that frustrates others, but I always aim to deliver reports quickly,” she says.
Her career has taken her through catastrophic events, from the 2019 Churihatta fire to the 2024 July civil unrest, confronting burned, decomposed, or skeletal remains. Yet fear never overtook her.
“Fear disappears during medical training,” she explains.
Memorable Cases
Dr. Momtaz recalls examining a five-year-old girl found deceased with injuries, left in the care of relatives after losing her parents. She also recounts investigating cases of maternal deaths due to poverty or domestic conflict.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Years of Experience | 15 |
| Post-Mortems Conducted | >1,000 |
| Training Institutions | Rangpur Medical College, Sir Salimullah Medical College |
| Specialisations | Post-mortem, rape examination, age/sex determination, paternity testing |
| First Posting | Purbadhala, Netrokona |
| Notable Events Witnessed | 2019 Churihatta Fire, 2024 July unrest |
Commitment to Justice
Dr. Momtaz finds satisfaction in contributing to justice. Witnessing the relief of families who receive closure through her work is her greatest reward.
“I believe in fate. Perhaps this is what I was meant to do. Every day I hope no bodies arrive in the morgue, but that wish has never been granted.”
Her story illustrates the resilience, courage, and dedication required of forensic specialists in Bangladesh, particularly female doctors, who navigate danger, ethical dilemmas, and the emotional weight of confronting death—all to serve truth and justice.