Sharif M Shafique

TDS: What’s your take on the uprising that toppled the Awami League regime?

Cartoons, as a form of artistic activism, speak the language of time. They highlight contemporary political events and societal absurdities, often at great personal risk to the artists. Despite the former AL-led government's attempts to instil fear during the anti-discrimination student movement, the people's resolve only grew stronger. Cartoonists were no exception, capturing the then government's atrocities—murders, repression, and abductions—in powerful images that spread like wildfire across social media. These cartoons became the movement's fuel, igniting further resistance.

It’s been a month since the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government was overthrown by a student-people uprising. Noted economist Anu Muhammad discusses the movement, the regime’s fall, and the interim government’s tenure, tasks and challenges in an interview with The Daily Star’s Sharif M Shafique and Sadi Muhammad Alok.

When it comes to speaking out against injustice and oppression, there aren’t many artistes who stand out as prominently as Ashfaque Nipun. Known for his active presence both online and on the ground, Nipun has been a vocal participant in various protests. His determination was evident during the quota reform movement, which later evolved into the anti-discrimination student movement and led to the dramatic fall of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime.