Draw beyond censorship

Political cartoons have slowly been lifted off from the face of print and digital media due to a growing intolerance toward them.

Many cartoonists need to resort to self censorship, although the country had once witnessed a glorious history of such caricatures, said cartoonists at a panel discussion yesterday.

The discussion was organised as part of an exhibition of political cartoons in Dhaka.

Earki, a satire platform, in collaboration with Bangladesh Cartoonists Association and EMK Center, held the three-day exhibition at the EMK Centre in Dhanmondi.

More than 150 cartoons were placed to highlight the tradition of political cartoons in the country.

Joint General Secretary of Bangladesh Cartoonists Association and one of the organisers of the programme cartoonist Mehedi Haque said, "Political cartoons played an important role during the language and the freedom movement."

"Cartoons were important in every political turn of independent Bangladesh, starting from the movement against autocracy. But under the pressure of the government, the number of political cartoons is decreasing," he added.

Artist and Cartoonist Rafiqun Nabi said, "Political tolerance in our country has significantly decreased, and unfortunately, cartoons are undervalued. The political climate in our country isn't supportive, which is necessary for a cartoonist to thrive."

"We censor ourselves. However, we have to keep in mind that we cannot stop drawing. We have to find a way and wait for the perfect time, to hit the moment with the most fitting drawing," he said.

As a cartoonist, the primary responsibility is to depict the present time accurately, he added.

Writer and Journalist Afsan Chowdhury said, "Newspapers are no longer the only medium for cartoonists to work. Cartoons can come to people through various means. Cartoonists themselves can become a medium."

He added, "This exhibition is a milestone, as it brings together cartoonists of many generations in one platform."

During the discussion, cartoonist Shishir Bhattacharjee shared his interest in creating cartoons during the dictatorship and how he gradually transitioned into creating political cartoons.

He suggested the younger generation to centre their focus on the accused, rather than the victims, while drawing.

Political satirist Simu Naser said, "People often believe that the current time is the most difficult, but we must acknowledge that reality may not always align with our desires."

"As artists, it's important to select our mediums of protest carefully, prioritising the ones that have the most impact, than one which discomforts us," he said.

Associate Editor of The Daily Prothom Alo Anisul Hoque and cartoonist Nasreen Sultana Mitu also spoke at the discussion.

The exhibition will be open from 10:00am to 4:00pm till March 29 (Wednesday).