Addressing the many faces of corruption through art

Cartoonists and photographers have emerged as powerful forces to increase awareness and raising demand for transparency and accountability in our society. Cartoons and photographs are a treasure of information on the nature and impact of corruption in Bangladesh, providing a strong collective voice for change. With this belief, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) arranged the Anti-Corruption Cartoons and Photographs Awards and Exhibition 2018 at Drik Gallery, which concluded recently. 

The event, organised to mark International Anti-corruption Day, was an invitation to the country's cartoonists and photographers to reflect on the many forms of corruption and their impact on institutions, vulnerable populations and sustainable development, not just in the public sphere, but also in private life. The exhibited works at the event revealed  the heavy social and economic costs of corruption and reminded us that art is a powerful communication tool that can break through the language barrier. Visualising the phenomenon of corruption in all its aspects is indeed an essential step for societies and each one of its citizens seeking to combat and prevent it.

H E Charlotta Schlyter, the Swedish Ambassador and H E Winnie Estrup Petersen, the Royal Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh, were scheduled as guests of honour at the event. Also present was Dr Luke Mukubvu, Governance and Institutional Adviser – PFM and Service Delivery, DFID Bangladesh. Advocate Sultana Kamal, Chairperson, Board of Trustees of TIB chaired the inaugural ceremony on December 9.

This time, prizes were distributed among six winners and 55 special mention cartoonists parted in two categories alongside 23 photographers including three winners and 20 special mention photographers. All of their works were put up for the exhibition.