Pathao, the country’s leading digital services platform, concluded its month-long “Safe Thaki, Safe Rakhi” campaign with a special exhibition at Drik Gallery on Friday, showcasing cartoons from artists across Bangladesh.
According to the press release, the campaign featured the Cartoon Competition of the same name, which ran from 20 April to 31 May. Participants were invited to illustrate everyday road safety practices, including helmet use, adherence to traffic signals, and vehicle fitness.
To raise awareness, Pathao organised five major events across the capital, including interactive sessions at BRAC University, the University of Asia Pacific (UAP), and United International University (UIU).
The initiative also included a school-based awareness programme and a live drawing event for the public in Gulshan 2, held in collaboration with Cartoon People.
The competition received more than 450 entries from across the country. A selection of the best submissions is being showcased at Drik Gallery, following an inauguration ceremony Friday attended by distinguished guests.
Speaking at the event, Pathao’s CEO and Managing Director Fahim Ahmed emphasised that road safety is a collective responsibility.
“Our daily workplace is not confined to a specific office… our workplace is the open highway, the streets across the entire country,” he said, adding that the company chose cartooning as a creative medium to effectively convey social messages to the masses.
Special guest Ahsan Habib, a renowned cartoonist, lauded the initiative. “The way our professional and amateur cartoonists have brought out this social message through a single panel medium is truly commendable,” he remarked.
The submissions were judged by Ahsan Habib along with popular artists Morshed Mishu and Rashad Imam Tanmoy. A total prize pool of Tk105,000 was awarded to six winners.
Raeid Hosen secured the first prize of Tk50,000, while Natasha Jahan and Faridur Rahaman Razib won the second and third prizes of Tk25,000 and Tk15,000, respectively.
The fourth, fifth, and sixth prizes of Tk5,000 each were awarded to Zurise Al Mahi, Showkat Rasadin Showkhin, and Mahatab Rashid.
The exhibition continues at Drik Gallery on Saturday from 3pm to 8pm.
In addition to the cartoon showcase, visitors can participate in a collaborative wall painting activity, a discussion session on road safety, and a theatre performance. Other attractions include live caricature sketches, games, and photo booths.
Founded in 2015, Pathao is the largest digital services platform in Bangladesh, leading the market in ride-sharing, food delivery, and e-commerce logistics. With over 15 million users and 600,000 job opportunities created, the platform continues to contribute significantly to the nation’s digital economy.
