The practice of drawing cartoons depicting the activities of political leaders is a global tradition. In what are considered developed nations, political leaders are often subjected to intense criticism through the medium of cartoons, including the use of satirical imagery.
While the tradition of political criticism through cartoons once existed within the Bangladeshi media, that era has largely drawn to a close due to various legal complexities that obstruct the path of free expression.
However, following the July 2024 uprising, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman shared a cartoon of himself on Facebook on 2 May last year to mark World Press Freedom Day. The cartoon, originally drawn by cartoonist Mehedi in 2009, depicted the then-Chairperson Khaleda Zia placing a crown on her son’s head in front of party leaders at a BNP council.
Sharing the somewhat satirical cartoon, Tarique Rahman stated, “On this World Press Freedom Day, let us unite for the freedom of the media and the protection of journalists who work with a sense of truthfulness and ethical responsibility.”
Following this post, stakeholders have been hopeful that the practice of free journalism will resume in post-uprising Bangladesh, creating opportunities for cartooning and the criticism of politicians.
In continuation of this trend, cartoonist Uday has drawn a cartoon of Tarique Rahman. The image features Tarique in a suit and trousers alongside a specific excerpt from the speech he delivered upon his return to Dhaka on 25 December after a long life in exile: “I have a plan for the people of my country, for my country.”
In the depiction, Uday did not seat the BNP chief on a throne; instead, he placed him on a common plastic chair. Uday intended to recall the moment during the 25 December rally when Tarique Rahman sat on such an ordinary plastic chair after removing the special chair that had been prepared for him on the stage.
In this caricature, Tarique Rahman’s face is drawn larger than his body. Cartoonists typically use this technique to signify the importance of the individual. Although this may appear humorous to the general public, artists or cartoonists do so for very specific reasons.
On Tuesday evening, Uday presented the framed cartoon to the BNP Chairman at his political office in Gulshan. Tarique Rahman accepted the gift, expressed his thanks, and posed for a photograph with Uday.
Expressing his feelings, cartoonist Uday said, “It was a dream to hand over such a cartoon to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. I am very happy to have been able to give it to him.”
