Arifur Rahman is a Bangladeshi-Norwegian cartoonist, illustrator, and human rights activist known for his work promoting freedom of expression through art. Born on August 8, 1984, in Sirajganj, Bangladesh, he gained international attention for his satirical cartoons and for founding Toons Mag, an online platform dedicated to cartoons and comics from around the world.
Early Life and Education
Arifur Rahman developed an interest in drawing from a young age. He pursued his passion by studying graphic design and began his career contributing cartoons and illustrations to various newspapers and magazines in Bangladesh.
Career in Bangladesh
Rahman’s cartoons often addressed social and political issues, using humor and satire to comment on current events. His work gained recognition for its boldness and creativity. However, in 2007, one of his cartoons led to controversy when it was interpreted as offensive by some religious groups. As a result, he was arrested under charges related to hurting religious sentiments and spent several months in jail without trial. The incident drew criticism from international human rights organizations, which highlighted concerns about freedom of expression in Bangladesh.
Relocation to Norway
Following his release, Rahman continued to face challenges in Bangladesh due to threats and censorship. In 2010, he relocated to Norway through the International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN), an organization that supports writers and artists at risk. Settling in Drøbak, Norway, Rahman continued his work as a cartoonist and became an advocate for freedom of expression and human rights.
Toons Mag
In 2009, Rahman founded Toons Mag, an international online cartoon magazine that provides a platform for cartoonists worldwide to publish their work. The magazine focuses on themes such as human rights, freedom of speech, and social justice. Through Toons Mag, Rahman has organized international cartoon contests and exhibitions on topics like children’s rights, women’s rights, and freedom of expression. These initiatives have attracted contributions from hundreds of artists globally and have been showcased in various countries.
International Cartoon Contests and Exhibitions
Children’s Rights (2015): Raised awareness about the rights and welfare of children.
Women’s Rights (2016): Highlighted issues related to gender equality and women’s challenges worldwide.
Freedom of Expression (2017): Emphasized the importance of free speech and the obstacles faced by artists and journalists.
Advocacy and Impact
Arifur Rahman is known for his commitment to promoting freedom of expression and supporting fellow artists. His experiences have underscored the risks faced by cartoonists who challenge societal norms and governmental policies. By providing a platform through Toons Mag and participating in international events, Rahman works to:
Raise Awareness: Highlight issues related to human rights and free speech through art.
Support Artists: Offer opportunities for cartoonists to showcase their work on a global stage.
Encourage Dialogue: Foster conversations about social and political issues across different cultures.
Recognition
Rahman’s efforts have been recognized internationally:
Awards: Received accolades for his cartoons and contributions to promoting human rights and freedom of expression.
Media Coverage: Featured in various international media outlets and publications.
Exhibitions: His cartoons have been displayed in numerous countries, contributing to global discussions on important issues.
Personal Life
Arifur Rahman continues to reside in Norway, where he remains active in the artistic and human rights communities. He participates in seminars, workshops, and conferences related to cartooning, free speech, and social justice.
See Also
Toons Mag: An online platform for cartoons and comics (www.toonsmag.com)
Freedom of Expression: The right to express one’s opinions publicly without governmental interference.
International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN): An organization that supports writers and artists at risk.
External Links
Arifur Rahman’s Personal Website: www.arifurrahman.com
