In a discussion hosted by the Sociology Department of Dhaka University titled “The Politics of Satire and Ridicule: Cartoons and Graffiti During the July Uprising,” ICT-Telecom and Information-Broadcasting Advisor Md. Nahid Islam highlighted how mainstream media’s suppression of dissenting voices has led to the rise of graffiti as a powerful medium of expression. The event took place on Thursday at the Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium.
Drawing from his own experiences, Nahid Islam shared his time in the notorious Aynaghar, a facility known for enforced disappearances. “I stayed in that room for 24 hours and witnessed writings on the walls left by long-term detainees. The horrors of those experiences are so profound that the victims still refuse to speak, despite being repeatedly urged by the authorities,” he said.
Art as Resistance
Islam emphasized that the last 15-16 years of oppression have given rise to numerous untold stories now finding their voice through graffiti and other art forms. “When cartoons were banned in mainstream media, walls became the canvas for resistance,” he remarked. He noted that preserving these artworks and writings is vital to understanding the public’s sentiment during this time.
Enforced Disappearances and Oversight
The discussion also shed light on the ongoing issue of enforced disappearances. Islam revealed that around 1,600 complaints have already been lodged with the Disappearance Commission, a figure that could rise to 5,000. “These stories were completely ignored by the state, and no one could speak about them openly,” he added.
Collaborative Dialogue
The event also featured presentations and discussions by prominent academics, including Associate Professor Samina Lutfa of Dhaka University, National University Vice-Chancellor A S M Amanullah, Dhaka University Professor Giti Ara Nasrin, and North South University faculty member Naveen Murshid.
The gathering underscored the critical role of art and graffiti in documenting resistance, fostering awareness, and preserving history amid a climate of censorship and suppression.
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