TIB Advocates for Digital Rights at DRAPAC 2025: Cartoon Exhibition Highlights Youth Resistance Against Digital Rights Violations

Published: 03 February 2025

What are digital rights? How do scams and spam threaten online security? How does an internet shutdown disrupt daily life? How can we protect our privacy, and—perhaps most critically—who controls our data? As our lives become increasingly intertwined with the digital world, these concerns demand urgent attention, along with good governance, accountability, transparency, and privacy protection of digital landscape.

To foster awareness and meaningful dialogue on these pressing issues, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) participated in the DRAPAC National Convening Bangladesh 2025, a pivotal gathering of digital rights advocates, policymakers, and tech experts. As part of its engagement, TIB organized a compelling cartoon exhibition—a creative yet powerful portrayal of human rights violations in digital spaces, amplifying youth perspectives on the need for a safer and more transparent digital ecosystem.

TIB featured artwork from winners of its Anti-Corruption Cartoon Competition, spotlighting the challenges of Bangladesh’s digital landscape. The artworks critically depicted controversial laws and policies that, instead of safeguarding personal data, have often enabled greater state control. It is worth noting that these young cartoonists played a pivotal role in the July uprising, using satire in their cartoons to protest against the fallen authoritarian regime.

Visitors praised the cartoon exhibition, expressing their hope that TIB continues to involve in such events, engaging the youth regularly. Many visitors found a personal connection with the cartoons, sharing their thoughts and emotions in the exhibition’s comment books. One such comment read, “It’s amazing how the artists' thoughts and feelings are so compelling and engaging. The sense of connection with these cartoons is the best part."

This event comes at a pivotal time when Bangladesh has the opportunity to reshape its digital landscape, policies, and infrastructure in the context of the 'New Bangladesh'. In the recent past, restrictive frameworks imposed censorship and hindered civic participation during last authoritarian regime. Moving forward, the country has opportunity to build a more inclusive, open digital system—which will not only protect individuals digital rights but will also foster innovation and creativity.

At the convening, TIB’s Executive Director, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, strongly advocated for digital rights and internet freedom, joining distinguished panelists from across the Asia-Pacific region in discussions on - human rights violations in digital spaces, draconian regulations and government control over data, the role of civil society in advocating for inclusive policies, and the roadmap for a secure and rights-based digital future in Bangladesh.

By actively participating in this event, TIB reaffirmed its continued commitment to ensure a free, accountable, and transparent digital system by involving youth voices, encouraging artistic activity, and advancing policy discussions. At the conclusion of today's session, TIB's ED awarded certificates to the event's digital fellows.