Press Release
Dhaka, 10 December 2025: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has announced the results of the annual Anti-Corruption Cartoon Competition 2025 aimed at spreading anti-corruption messages among the youth. Simultaneously, a 12-day exhibition was inaugurated. At 3:00 PM today, guests presented awards to the winners at Bakultola, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, followed by the formal inauguration of the exhibition at Zainul Gallery.
In the 20th cartoon competition themed "Corruption and Human Rights," Miftahuzzaman Sen, an eighth-grade student of Rangpur Cadet College, secured the first position in Group A (13 to 18 years, hand-drawn). From the same college, Md. Arafat Islam Sifat and Md. Arshadul Azam Emon secured the second and third positions respectively. In Group B (19 to 25 years, hand-drawn), Abdullah Al Zunayed from the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) secured first place. Mong Shonie Rakhaine from the Department of Drawing and Painting, University of Dhaka, stood second, and Md. Abdur Rahman Talukdar from Tejgaon College stood third. Winners in both groups were awarded 75,000, 50,000, and 40,000 BDT respectively, along with crests and certificates. Tahsin Ahmed Akib, a student of Jagannath University, won in the digital cartoon category, and Md. Kazi Shafayet Hossain Sagor won in the comic strip category. Winners in these two categories received 75,000 BDT, a crest, and a certificate. Additionally, 51 cartoons across all categories received special mentions.
The award ceremony commenced with a welcome address by TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman. Distinguished guests included Eva Smedberg, Deputy Head of Mission/Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden; Paola Castro Niederstamm, First Secretary at the same embassy; Cor Stouten, First Secretary (Political Affairs) at the Embassy of the Netherlands; Emma Wind, Governance Adviser at the British High Commission; and Sabina Yasmin Lubna, Senior Programme Manager (Governance and Human Rights) at the Embassy of Switzerland. Renowned cartoonist and Editor of Unmad magazine, Ahsan Habib, and Senior Cartoonist of New Age, Mehedi Haque, both of whom served as judges, were also present.
Emphasising the importance of youth participation in the anti-corruption movement, Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, "From the anti-British movement to the Great Liberation War, and ultimately the 2024 anti-discrimination movement, the immense potential and indomitable courage of the youth have always prevailed. He noted that the multifaceted and far-reaching influence of authoritarianism was evident last year when the fewest cartoons were submitted, as people feared expressing their opinions even through art. However, he highlighted how cartoons, graffiti, and murals became powerful tools during the July student-led struggle against authoritarianism, uniting the entire country. He expressed pride that a significant number of these artists had previously participated in or won TIB’s cartoon competitions. He remarked that cartoons and graffiti drawn by the youth were instrumental in the fall of authoritarianism, and this same youth energy remains a primary strength in the fight against corruption."
Mehedi Haque thanked TIB for providing extraordinary opportunities and inspiration for cartoonists for 20 years. Ahsan Habib highlighted the career prospects for cartoonists.
Eva Smedberg remarked that the youth are highlighting social inconsistencies through cartoons, expressing confidence that these efforts would lead to victory against corruption. Cor Stouten noted that cartoonists reveal injustices that often go unnoticed, adding that the timing on International Human Rights Day is significant because corruption invariably leads to human rights violations. Emma Wind stated that a cartoon is more meaningful than a thousand words and hoped cartoonists would continue their anti-corruption messaging. Sabina Yasmin Lubna commented that cartoons create a spark in society, and the way young cartoonists highlight injustice gives hope that corruption will one day be eliminated.
This year, 410 cartoons were submitted by 199 cartoonists across three categories: hand-drawn, digital, and comic strip. This included 339 entries in the two hand-drawn categories, 44 in digital, and 27 in comic strips. A total of 59 cartoons by 42 winners and special mention recipients are being showcased in a 12-day exhibition open to the public. The exhibition at Zainul Gallery, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, will remain open daily from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM until 21 December. Additionally, the exhibition is accessible via a virtual gallery at https://ti-bangladesh.org/virtual-gallery.
Media Contact:
Mohammad Tauhidul Islam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: 01713107868
E-mail: tauhidul@ti-bangladesh.org
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