Published: 15 December 2025
Marking International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) 2025, the 20th Anti-Corruption Cartoon Competition & Exhibition organized by Transparency International Bangladesh's (TIB), which inaugurated on December 10, 2025. This year's theme, "Corruption & Human Rights," resonated deeply with young artists cartoons, comic strips, and digital artworks, each piece a visual testament to their vision of a corruption-free Bangladesh built on accountability, transparency, and good governance. The young cartoonists approached the theme with remarkable sophistication, using symbolism and satire to expose the intricate connection between corruption and human rights violations. Their drawings laid bare the invisible irregularities embedded across social and administrative structures, demonstrating how corruption inevitably leads to the erosion of fundamental rights.
Some cartoonists employed humor to expose the absurdity of corrupt practices, while others painted grimmer portraits of societal decay when integrity is abandoned. Through sharp satire and vivid colors, they revealed how corruption manifests in everyday life—from administrative roadblocks that deny citizens basic services to systemic injustices that disproportionately harm the vulnerable. The artwork demonstrated that wherever corruption exists, human rights violations follow, as those with power exploit the powerless for personal gain.
The comic strips, allowed artists to craft narratives showing the cascading effects of corruption on ordinary lives. Digital artworks brought modern techniques to age-old problems, proving that the fight against corruption evolves with each generation. Each piece challenged viewers to think critically about corruption's far-reaching impact, transforming abstract concepts into tangible, emotional experiences that resonated long after visitors left the gallery.
International dignitaries from TIB's donor agencies praised the transformative power of youth-driven creativity. Eva Smedberg, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden emphasized that youth are highlighting social inequalities through cartoons and expressed confidence that this art form will help win the fight against corruption. Cor Stouten, First Secretary (Political Affairs) at the Embassy of the Netherlands noted how the cartoonists exposed unnoticed injustices, remarking that "wherever there is corruption, there is human rights violation." Emma Wind, Governance Advisor at the British High Commission commended the young artists for revealing invisible irregularities across social structures, while Sabina Yasmein Lubna, Senior Programme Manager-Governance and Human Rights at Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, observed that cartoons can spark change and inspire youth to bring positive transformation to society.
TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman at the award ceremony said, “Cartoons, graffiti, and wall paintings became powerful tools in the struggle against authoritarianism. And many of these young artists have participated in or won TIB organized this competition. Their work helped demonstration the nation in the fight against a regime that silenced voices of protest. Their courage proves that the youth and their art are one of the most potent forces in the battle against corruption. The exhibition and award ceremony were not only a celebration of artistic talent but also a reflection of the youth’s growing role in addressing social injustices.”
On the 20th year of the competition, TIB received 410 cartoons from 199 artists. Out of these, 339 cartoons were submitted in the two categories of hand-drawn cartoons, 44 in the digital category and 27 in the comic strip category. The exhibition is showcasing a total of 59 cartoons from 42 cartoonists who won the cartoon competition and received special nominations. The winning drawings remain on display at Zainul Gallery, Department of Fine Arts, Dhaka University, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. through December 21, with a virtual gallery available online.
