Press Release
Dhaka, 09 December 2024: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) announced the results of its cartoon and comic strip competition, featuring artworks by young participants from various age groups, aimed at promoting anti-corruption messages among the nation's youth. The event also included the inauguration of a 13-day exhibition and virtual gallery. Prizes were presented to the winners during the ceremony at TIB's Dhanmondi office at 3 PM today.
In his welcoming speech, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman warmly greeted the distinguished guests and announced the names of the awardees. The distinguished guests were Corinne Henchoz Pignani, Chargée d’affaires, Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh; Thijs Woudstra, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Duncan Overfield, Deputy Development Director, FCDO; Alenay Tansey, Office Director, Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance Office, USAID; and Lovisa Hofmann, Head of Political, Trade, and Communication Section, Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh. The event was also attended by Ahsan Habib, Cartoonist and Editor of UNMAD, and Mehedi Haque, Senior Cartoonist at The New Age, both of whom served as judges for the competition.
Speaking at the event, TIB Executive Director, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, said “Preventing corruption requires more than just the rule of law, accountability for the accused, and institutional capacity. The public must also take a strong stand against corruption. In particular, the innovative power of youth, their protests, and awareness are crucial. Cartoons serve as an essential part of that protest.”
Ahsan Habib, judge and editor of UNMAD magazine, noted that the competition expanded this year with the inclusion of comic strips for the first time. Mehedi Haque, another judge and senior cartoonist at The New Age, thanked TIB for providing such an extraordinary opportunity to cartoonists over the past 20 years.
Lovisa Hofmann, Head of the Political, Trade, and Communication Section at the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, said, “Cartoons play a vital role in raising awareness in society, often bringing to light stories that might otherwise remain untold. Political cartoons, in particular, are crucial for upholding freedom of speech. Competitions like these empower youth, providing them with the opportunity to contribute to society and the nation.”
Alenay Tansey, Office Director of the Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance Office at USAID, said, “Bangladesh has a deep-rooted tradition of standing up against injustice, evident in key moments like 1971, 1990, and 2024. It is ingrained in Bangalee culture to reject wrongdoing. Through this cartoon initiative, TIB skillfully transforms humor into a powerful form of visual protest, promoting development while strengthening democratic values. The United States has consistently supported the people of Bangladesh in their ongoing battle against corruption.” Duncan Overfield, Deputy Development Director at FCDO, said, “We are here today because we recognize youth as agents of change, as seen in the July and August anti-discrimination movement. Youth make up one-third of Bangladesh’s population, and their voices matter. This cartoon competition empowers students to engage in the fight against corruption, amplifying their concerns and proposing solutions. Cartoons have a powerful impact, inspiring people to take action.”
Thijs Woudstra, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, called upon the youth, particularly the Gen-Z generation to work for the betterment of Bangladesh. Corinne Henchoz Pignani, Chargee d’affaires, Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, said, “Corruption hinders development, making its prevention crucial for both democracy and progress. The humor in cartoons, like any other medium, plays a vital role in combating corruption and advocating for freedom of speech.”
In the 19th Anti-Corruption Cartoon Competition on “Corruption and Immorality,” Shoyaeb Ahamed (Naogaon Government College), Mahin Mehjabin Mohar (BIAM Laboratory School and College), and Ahnaf Tahmid (Rangpur Cadet College) won the first, second, and third places in the 'A' category (13-18 years), respectively. In the 'B' category (19-25 years), Arindom Kudu (Dhaka University), Asif Mohammad Yousuf (Cumilla Medical College), and Abdullah Al Zunaed (University of Liberal Arts) took the top three spots. The winners received Tk 75,000, Tk 50,000, and Tk 40,000, along with crests and certificates.
This year, TIB introduced two new categories: digital cartoons and comic strips for ages 15-25. Mong Shonie Rakhaine (Dhaka University) won in digital cartoons, while Abdullah Al Zunaed (University of Liberal Arts) won in comic strips. Both received Tk 75,000, crests, and certificates.
A total of 247 cartoons were submitted by 160 artists. The exhibition, featuring 63 winning cartoons and works by 50 nominated artists, is open daily from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm at TIB’s Dhanmondi office (Midas Center, House-05, Road-27) until December 21. Besides, the exhibition will continue in a virtual gallery: https://ti-bangladesh.org/virtual-gallery.
This year, in observance of the 20th anniversary of International Anti-Corruption Day, TIB marked the occasion under the theme "New Bangladesh - Invincible Youth Will Stop Corruption." On December 5, TIB hosted an investigative journalist conclave and presented the Anti-Corruption Investigative Journalism Awards. Fellowships were also awarded to selected journalists. On December 8, a human chain was formed in front of the National Parliament. Additionally, TIB organized rallies, information fairs, quiz competitions, and cartoon exhibitions to observe the day. TIB’s CCC, YES Group, and ACG were actively involved in the observance.
Media Contact:
Mohammad Tauhidul Islam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: +8801713107868
Email: tauhidul@ti-bangladesh.org
