Graffiti: Prof. Yunus calls on US delegation to take note of Dhaka's walls
Dhaka became the graffiti capital after young artists transformed its walls into powerful canvases.
On Sunday, Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus presented an art book on Bangladesh's graffiti to a visiting US delegation at the State Guesthouse Jamuna. The book features photographs of remarkable artworks created by students and youth during the July-August student-led revolution, which adorned the walls of Dhaka and other cities.
“I encourage you to take a look at the walls of Dhaka. These graffiti pieces still remain, and they weren’t just drawn after the revolution. Students, defying government forces, created them during the protests in July,” Prof. Yunus told the US delegates.
According to the chief adviser's press wing, the art book was commissioned by Prof. Yunus soon after he was sworn in as the head of the interim government.
Prof. Yunus emphasized the historical significance of the graffiti, which captured the emotions, hopes, and aspirations of the students and youth who protested against the "fascist" Sheikh Hasina regime, standing up to oppression.
Dhaka earned the title of graffiti capital as young artists used the city’s walls to write slogans, poetry, and convey powerful messages, embodying the spirit of the revolution and the desire for a Bangladesh free of discrimination.
Prof. Yunus recalled how students, with support from people across the country, used their creativity to express their messages. “They lacked the funds to buy paint and brushes, but the public stepped in to support them,” he shared with the US delegation.
The US team was led by Brent Neiman, Assistant Secretary of the US Treasury Department, and included Donald Lu, US Assistant Secretary of State; Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative; Anjali Kaur, Deputy Assistant Administrator; and Jerrod Mason, Director of the US Treasury Department.