LocationsComic superheroes are symbols of justice against years of oppression
Dhaka’s 'Gotham': Bangladesh revolution, political art, and the road ahead
October 4, 2024
Young artists paint a Collaborative Peace Mural, a powerful tribute to their commitment to promoting tolerance, harmony, and justice in Bangladesh.
Photo: UNDP Bangladesh
In early September, I found myself walking through Dhaka’s heart, now charged with new energy—a pulse of defiance and hope. Thousands of students had gathered, marking one month since the fall of a government that ruled for 15 years. Initially sparked by dissatisfaction with civil service quotas, the protests quickly grew into a broader movement led by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Known as the Monsoon Revolution, the July Revolution, and "36 July," this uprising is defined by the courage of Bangladesh’s Gen-Z, determined to shape a future of freedom and justice.
Walking through Dhaka University, the uprising’s epicentre, I was struck by murals that have turned the city into its own version of Gotham. Vivid street art depicts Marvel and DC superheroes like Batman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Black Panther as symbols of justice against years of oppression.
These murals aren’t just art; they are the heartbeat of this city—a collective outcry for a democratic and inclusive Bangladesh, free from discrimination. Batman, fists raised, stands against corruption; one mural boldly declares, "Women Reclaim the Night!"—a call for women to reclaim power, embodied by Wonder Woman’s fierce spirit. "In the end, we all become stories…" reads another mural, echoing the voices of a generation that refuses to fade quietly into the pages of history.
In the end, we all become stories…
Young artists are transforming Dhaka’s streets into a canvas of resistance. I finally met some of them at a vibrant UNDP workshop “Artivism for Peace,” organized with the youth-led Kashful Foundation under the “Partnerships for a More Tolerant, Inclusive Bangladesh” initiative. Here, the artists painted a Collaborative Peace Mural, a powerful tribute to their commitment to promoting tolerance, harmony, and justice in Bangladesh 2.0.
This is my fourth time in Bangladesh as part of UNDP’s surge mission, but it feels profoundly different. The air here is thick with both the promise of transformation and the weight of the unknown. The interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, is at a crossroads. Restoring order, rebuilding public trust, preparing new elections, and addressing human rights abuses are no small tasks. The road ahead is steep and fraught with obstacles like youth unemployment, the Rohingya crisis, violent extremism risks, and disastrous displays of climate change. Severe flash floods and monsoons have been plaguing Bangladesh, affecting millions of people.
Since the interim government was formed two months ago, six national commissions have taken on the daunting task of reform, focusing on the constitution, judiciary, police, public administration, corruption, and election integrity. The timeframe is tight, and the society is deeply divided. The scars run deep on all sides. The interim government estimates that over 800 young lives were lost in the protests. More than 40 police officers also fell. Ongoing investigations by the UN and a National Commission of Inquiry probe the violations during the demonstrations and disappearances of the past 15 years. Justice and accountability are crucial. New policies and laws are needed. And more than that, the reforms must restore a fractured bond between the state and the people.
At this critical juncture, UNDP has committed to supporting the reforms. UNDP’s role is also to help stitch together the fabric of a nation yearning for equality, justice, and a voice. Together, we must cultivate an agenda that prioritizes the people and their aspirations.
- Rebuild public trust. People long for transparency, accountability, and participation in reforms, especially in policing and justice.
- Empower youth and those without a voice. Young voices must continue to shape the future. Youth and marginalized communities need platforms to contribute to the decision-making.
- Strengthen human rights and social justice. Promoting anti-discrimination, transitional justice, and safeguarding civil liberties are not just policies—they are lifelines.
- Build peace and social cohesion. Reforms must go hand in hand with efforts to foster dialogue and unity.
- Address broader risks. It is important to tackle the pressing issues of unemployment, and the plight of the Rohingya, as well as to prevent natural disasters and adapt to climate change.
As Dhaka’s walls continue to tell their stories, UNDP stands with our national partners and the people of Bangladesh. The murals of Gotham Dhaka are a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit that will shape the next chapter of this nation. And this story is still unfolding. “In the end, we all become stories….”
Photos: UNDP/Simone Boneschi
