Published on 03:36 PM, July 30, 2023

Carving a place for Bangladesh in Reddit's r/place

Finding patriotism amidst chaos: a recap of r/place 2023

Photo: r/place

In the vast expanse of Reddit, a unique and heartwarming project called r/place brings people together from around the world every year. Starting on April 1st, 2017, it continued to capture the attention and creativity of the community twice more, including in July of this year. The event is organised on a website canvas found at the r/place subreddit and registered users are allowed to add one individual pixel every few minutes while the project remains active. The participating members, therefore, have to collaborate with others, in order to realise any kind of intricate artwork. 

This year, the virtual canvas was once again awash with creativity and passion. The theme, "right place, wrong time," echoed a resounding call for change, as Reddit users voiced their concerns about contentious corporate decisions that had caused rifts and controversies. At the center of it all was the resilient r/bangladesh community, a tight-knit group of enthusiasts who were no strangers to adversity.

United by a shared purpose, the r/bangladesh community gathered on a Discord server, starting with just a handful of individuals last year and growing to an over 5000 members this year. Their journey was marked by meticulous planning and unwavering dedication as they delicately crafted the Bangladeshi flag, pixel by pixel, amidst the swirling chaos of the canvas.

Their motto, "Bir Bangali Keyboard Dhoro, Pixel Boshaw," became a rallying cry, inspiring every member to contribute their best efforts. With every passing moment, the flag took shape--a symbol of power, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of the Bangladeshi people. The final flag was proudly shown as a 47x30 pixel art on the seventh attempt. "When the final canvas was done, it was an irreplaceable feeling seeing our flag etched somewhere in the global chaos," a moderator mentioned.

But their ambition didn't end there. With courage and creativity, they sought to depict the rich history and revered figures of their nation. The Shaheed Minar, a monument honoring those who valiantly defended the Bangla language, rose proudly, and the National Martyrs' Monument stood tall, paying homage to the brave souls who fought for Bangladesh's independence.

As they toiled on the virtual battlefield, forging bonds with like-minded communities became essential. The r/bangladesh community found steadfast allies in the Netherlands and Argentina communities, who lent unwavering support during times of raids. A heart symbol etched on the Netherlands flag symbolized their special bond, while the Bangladeshi flag found a cherished place in Argentina's artwork as a testament to their shared passion for the FIFA World Cup.

Throughout this awe-inspiring journey, the r/bangladesh Discord server became a virtual home, echoing with the sounds of camaraderie, resilience, and unyielding determination. Together, they defended their art, staying awake through the night, and in doing so, they formed unbreakable bonds with fellow comrades from different corners of the world.

Their story serves as a testament to the extraordinary power of online collaboration and the beauty of global fellowship. As the canvas of r/place came to a close, they left behind a legacy of cooperation and innovation, showcasing the potential of digital art to unite people across borders, time zones, and cultures.