Surveillance and Cartoonist

I love to draw, especially when I can express my feelings through it. I believe that when the goal is to reach more people, cartoons are one of the best tools, particularly for addressing critical and deep political matters. Serious satirical messages should be served with fun as the sauce.

In a country like Bangladesh, where the political situation has long been unstable and democracy is relatively new, you will face intolerance and difficulty as a cartoonist. I’ve been drawing political cartoons since 1997, and my experience tells me that you have to be tricky, no matter who is in power. Public support is essential, and having a good editor is crucial. I am fortunate to have a great editor—Mr. Nurul Kabir, editor of the Daily New Age. He encouraged me to draw political cartoons regardless of how the ruling party might react. I am lucky to have had this supportive environment since 2003.

It is true that there is risk, and the job is not financially rewarding. Some former political cartoonists even have chosen to work on propaganda projects for the ruling party after quitting the ‘risky and non-rewarding’ political cartoons. My organization supported me in all circumstances. The 16 year long Democrtatic Dictatorship was too risky for a Cartoonist to carry on. Especially when they initiated an act regarding Digital Security. Vaguely defined texts gave them eminent power to arrest anyone they think is a threat to them. But me hose did not stop. And Even during the military regime (2007-2008) in Bangladesh, my pen did not stop. I believe it never will.