During the anti-discrimination student movement in July, cartoons became a powerful form of protest. As the government tried to suppress dissent, cartoonists responded with satirical illustrations that captured the spirit of resistance and highlighted government actions. Cartoons by artists like Mehedi Haque, Mahatab Rashid, and Natasha Jahan played a significant role in this artistic uprising, depicting political events and societal issues.
One notable cartoon from 2018 by Mehedi Haque showed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cutting the fuse of a bomb labeled “Quota Reform Movement,” symbolizing the delayed consequences that finally erupted in July. These illustrations, shared widely on social media, fueled a cartoon revolution during the 20-day student-led mass uprising.
Cartoonists faced great risks, including harassment and threats, but continued to create art as a form of protest. The movement inspired many new artists to create political cartoons, despite restrictions and fears of censorship. Mehedi Haque noted that political cartoons have historically played a role in resistance movements, from the Language Movement of 1952 to the Liberation War of 1971.
Artists like Natasha Jahan and Mahatab Rashid emphasized that cartoons are a unique language connecting directly with the public, making complex political statements easily understandable. Despite risks, they believe that cartoons must continue to address societal issues, regardless of who is in power.
The July uprising marked a turning point for cartoonists, who began depicting state leaders directly, challenging previous self-censorship. As Bangladesh moves forward, artists are determined to keep creating, believing that cartoons should always serve the truth and reflect the people’s voice against any form of oppression.
