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| {{Short description|Bangladeshi-Norwegian political cartoonist, illustrator and animator}}
| | '''Arifur Rahman''' is a Bangladeshi-Norwegian [[cartoonist]], [[illustrator]], and human rights activist known for his work promoting [[Freedom of Expression|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. |
| {{distinguish|Arifur Rahman (footballer)}}
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| {{Infobox person
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| | name = Arifur Rahman
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| | image = In Oslo comic expo.jpg
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| | native_name = আরিফুর রহমান
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| | native_name_lang = bn
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| | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1984|08|08}}
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| | birth_place = [[Shahjadpur Upazila|Shahzadpur]], [[Sirajganj]], [[Bangladesh]]
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| | nationality = {{flatlist| | |
| *[[Norwegians|Norwegian]]
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| *[[Bangladeshi]]
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| }}
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| | citizenship = [[Norway]]
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| | alma_mater = [[National University, Bangladesh]]<br/ >[[Nansen Academy]]<br /> [[Kristiania University College]]
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| | occupation = [[Cartoonist]]
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| | years_active = 2004–present
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| | organization =
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| | known_for = [[Political cartoon]], Activism
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| | title = [[Founder CEO|Founder]] and [[Publisher]] of [[Toons Mag]]
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| | awards =
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| | website = {{URL|https://www.arifurrahman.com/|arifurrahman.com}}
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| }}
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| '''Arifur Rahman''' (born August 8, 1984) is a [[Bangladeshis|Bangladeshi]]-[[Norwegians|Norwegian]] political [[cartoonist]], [[illustrator]] and [[animator]]. He is a self-taught cartoonist who is renowned for his contribution to [[cartoon]]s both on the internet and in print media. In [[Bangladesh]], he is best known as '''Cartoonist Arif'''<ref name="Cartoonist Arif freed">{{Cite news |url=https://bdnews24.com/politics/2008/03/20/cartoonist-arif-freed|title=Cartoonist Arif freed|work=bdnews24.com|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref> for [[anti-corruption]] cartoons.<ref name="Cartoons against corruption">{{Cite news|url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/2007/08/13/d708131403143p.htm|title=Cartoons against corruption|work=The Daily Star|access-date=2019-08-03|archive-date=2019-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720223443/http://archive.thedailystar.net/2007/08/13/d708131403143p.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> He's won multiple awards for Anti-Corruption cartoons from [[Transparency International Bangladesh]] and the [[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|Daily Star.]] He was the first and former guest cartoonist of [[International Cities of Refuge Network|International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN)]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.icorn.org/writer/arifur-rahman|title=Arifur Rahman|website=ICORN international cities of refuge network|language=en|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.icorn.org/article/icorns-first-cartoonist-arrives-drobak-city-refuge|title=ICORNs first cartoonist arrives in Drøbak City of Refuge|website=ICORN international cities of refuge network|language=en|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref> He is a publisher of cartoon magazine [[Toons Mag]] and the organizer of international cartoon contests and exhibitions.
| | == 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. |
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| == Biography == | | == 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. |
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| === Early life === | | == Relocation to Norway == |
| [[File:Cartoonist Ranan Lurie in Nepal 2008.jpeg|thumb|Arifur Rahman (left) with American political cartoonist [[Ranan Lurie]] (right) in [[Kathmandu]], Nepal. Photo from South Asian cartoon congress 2008.]]
| | 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. |
| Arifur Rahman was born in a small village called Tetiar Kanda in [[Shahjadpur Upazila|Shahjadpur]], [[Sirajganj District|Sirajganj]], Bangladesh.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}} When Arifur Rahman was in the [[Preschool]], Arif's father left his wife and children and remarried.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vg.no/i/L281R|title=Tema: Kvinners rettigheter: Moren ble barnebrud som 11-åring - nå tegner Arifur (31) for kvinners rettigheter|website=www.vg.no|date=7 March 2016 |language=nb|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref> Arif's parents got divorced afterward and his [[mother]] went back to her family's village, taking Arif and his sister along. They were broke and his mother was [[Depressed Mode|depressed]]. Whatever she was to inherit from her father had already been given to her [[husband]] in dowry, so she had nothing to get by. Arif, with his mother and sister, lived in a room with their [[Grandparent|grandmother]]. Arif's maternal grandfather was a pious man and had two [[Wife|wives]]. Arif's mother was among the children from his first [[marriage]], but he had come to live with his second wife during those years. It meant he barely saw his first wife. Arif was enrolled in the a nearby school there.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |url=https://www.dw.com/bn/%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC-%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%A7%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87/a-19103525|script-title=bn:মায়ের অসহায়ত্ব তুলে ধরেছি কার্টুনে |work=Deutsche Welle |date=2016-03-09 |language=bn-BD|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref>
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| [[File:Sleep and dream.jpeg|thumb|[[Sleep]] and [[dream]]. This cartoon describes the difference between the [[Poverty|poor]] and the richest, and the difference between their dreams and goals. One of the Arifur Rahman's earlier cartoons from 2008.]]
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| Arif and his [[family]] struggled for [[money]]. His mother started farming chickens for some pocket money. His [[uncle]]s and [[aunt]]s helped out by [[gift]]ing Arif's mother goat and sheep cubs and he used to take care of the [[cattle]] when he returned from school. Arif went to a village school back then, which was far away from his grandfather's house. Arif had to walk a very long way to go to school every day.<ref name=":1" /> Their village did not yet have access to electricity so, in the evening, he had to study by the tame flame of a kerosene lamp. He was a [[Self-Taught|self-taught]] cartoonist and started [[drawing]] at an early age. His first cartoon was published in 2004 in a satire magazine called Bichhu by the ''[[Jugantor|Daily Jugantor]]''.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/r/rahman_arifur.htm|title=Arifur Rahman|website=lambiek.net|language=en|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref> Every day, he drew cartoons and sent them to the newspapers for publishing. That is how he created a name for himself as a cartoonist.<ref name=":2" />
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| === Education === | | == Toons Mag == |
| He studied both in Bangladesh and in Norway.
| | 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. |
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| * 2001–06, Arifur Rahman studied for a [[Bachelor of Arts]] at the [[National University, Bangladesh|National University of Bangladesh]].
| | === International Cartoon Contests and Exhibitions === |
| * 2012-13 studied [[Visual arts|Visual Arts]] at [[Nansen Academy]], [[Lillehammer]], Norway.
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| * 2014-16 studied [[3D film|3D]] and [[Animation]] at [[Kristiania University College]], [[Oslo]], Norway.
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| == Career ==
| | * '''Children's Rights (2015):''' Raised awareness about the rights and welfare of children. |
| [[File:Award-winning Anti-corruption cartoon.jpg|thumb|Award-winning Anti-corruption cartoon, Arifur Rahman's cartoon about corruption in Bangladesh 2006.]]
| | * '''Women's Rights (2016):''' Highlighted issues related to gender equality and women's challenges worldwide. |
| [[File:Award-winning Anti-corruption cartoon 2007.jpg|thumb|Award-winning Anti-corruption cartoon about Bangladesh 2007, Cartoon by Arifur Rahman.]]
| | * '''Freedom of Expression (2017):''' Emphasized the importance of free speech and the obstacles faced by artists and journalists. |
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| === Cartooning in Bangladesh === | | == Advocacy and Impact == |
| In Bangladesh, he was famously known as “''Cartoonist Arif''.” In April 2004, Arif's cartoon was published in the satire magazine, “''Bicchu''” under the ''[[Jugantor|Daily Jugantor]]''.<ref name=":2" /> Since then, he has been drawing political satire cartoons and [[comic strip]]s instead of [[painting]]s. He drew every day and sent his work off to newspapers. Almost all the daily newspapers in Bangladesh regularly published his cartoons back in the day. During 2004–2007, he drew a large number of cartoons for various Bangladeshi newspapers, such as ''[[Jugantor|The Daily Jugantar]]'', ''[[Bhorer Kagoj]]'', ''[[Samakal]]'', ''[[Jaijaidin]]'', ''[[Amar Desh]]'', ''[[The Daily Ittefaq|Ittefaq]]'' and ''[[Prothom Alo]]''. He was noticed by people and known as "''Cartoonist Arif''" around Bangladesh. He was recognized by fellow and legendary Bangladeshi cartoonists like [[Rafiqun Nabi]], [[Shishir Bhattacharjee]], and [[Ahsan Habib (cartoonist)|Ahsan Habib]].
| | 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: |
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| In 2005, Rahman won the third prize in a contest titled Pin Hunt that was put on by ''The Daily Prothom Alo''{{'}}s periodical, ''Alpin (আলপিন)'', and won third prize in the Anti-Corruption Cartoon Competition arranged by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) in 2006, as well as first prize in the Anti-Corruption Cartoon Competition arranged by [[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|The Daily Star]] in 2007<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/2007/08/13/d708131403143.htm|title=Cartoons against corruption|work=The Daily Star|access-date=2019-08-03|archive-date=2019-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720223432/http://archive.thedailystar.net/2007/08/13/d708131403143.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/2007/08/10/d70810011511.htm|title=Make young generation aware of graft effects|work=The Daily Star|access-date=2019-08-03|archive-date=2019-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720223439/http://archive.thedailystar.net/2007/08/10/d70810011511.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> and in the same year, The Daily Prothom Alo appointed him to draw cartoons as a contributing cartoonist.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sampsoniaway.org/interviews/2013/05/17/bangladeshi-cartoonist-arifur-rahman-on-calling-a-cat-%e2%80%9cmohammad%e2%80%9d/|title=Bangladeshi Cartoonist Arifur Rahman on Calling a Cat "Mohammad" {{!}} Sampsonia Way Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref>
| | * '''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. |
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| == Cartoon controversy in Bangladesh == | | == Recognition == |
| {{Main|2007 Bangladesh cartoon controversy}}
| | Rahman's efforts have been recognized internationally: |
| Arifur Rahman's cartoons were regularly published in the satirical weekly supplement of the ''[[Prothom Alo]]'' newspaper, ''Alpin'', but the one published in the 17 September 17, 2007 edition stirred quite a bit of controversy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7006528.stm|title=Violence over Bangladesh cartoon|date=2007-09-21|access-date=2019-08-03|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-4741|title=Cartoonist Arif sent to jail|date=2007-09-20|work=The Daily Star|language=en|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-4860|title=Govt authorises DMP to sue cartoonist Arif|date=2007-09-21|work=The Daily Star|language=en|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref> The cartoon features a conversation between a little boy and an older man. The apparently funny and harmless cartoon hurt a group of people's Islamic religious sentiments and Arif was sued for his cartoon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ifex.org/cartoonist-arrested-over-harmless-play-on-name-mohammed/|title=Cartoonist arrested over harmless play on name Mohammed|date=2007-09-19|website=IFEX|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref> Some people led by acclaimed religious influencers chose to call for a nationwide strike in Bangladesh on the back of the incident. ''Alpin'' was discontinued and the editor, Sumanta Alam, was fired, effective immediately. The editor of ''Prothom Alo'', [[Matiur Rahman (journalist)|Matiur Rahman]] promised never to publish Arifur Rahman's cartoon in his newspaper again.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bangladesh-cartoon-idUSSP17474120070921|title=Bangladesh suspends magazine over controversial cartoon|date=2007-09-21|work=Reuters|access-date=2019-08-03|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-4983|title=Police disperse protest march towards Prothom Alo|date=2007-09-22|work=The Daily Star|language=en|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-4742|title=Reaction to Aalpin cartoon|date=2007-09-20|work=The Daily Star|language=en|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-4606|title=Prothom Alo takes action against persons responsible|date=2007-09-19|work=The Daily Star|language=en|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref> Arif was arrested one day later on September 18, from his residence in Dhaka. He was arrested for being a “[[traitor]]” and for “[[Blasphemy law|hurting the religious sentiments]]” under the [[blasphemy]] and emergency [[Laws in Bangladesh|law of Bangladesh]].<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" />
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| === Trial and Asylum to Norway ===
| | * '''Awards:''' Received accolades for his cartoons and contributions to promoting human rights and freedom of expression. |
| Imprisoned on the [[September 18|18th of September]], 2007,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade/2007/sep/20/bangladeshcartoonistarrested|title=Bangladesh cartoonist arrested|last=Greenslade|first=Roy|date=2007-09-20|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-08-03|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Arifur Rahman stayed in prison for six months and 2 days. While in prison, Arif was heartbroken and felt very helpless.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/04/15/prothom-alo-retracts-story-amid-protests|title=Prothom Alo retracts story amid protests|last=Bashar|first=Reazul |work=bdnews24.com|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://bdnews24.com/politics/2007/09/20/another-apology-two-cases-and-a-notice-on-publisher|title=Another apology, two cases and a notice on publisher|work=bdnews24.com|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref> He felt wronged by his people and the country. He decided while sitting behind the bars that he would create a platform for the artists and art enthusiasts where they could express their talent and enjoy mindful art without any limitations or without the fear of being misunderstood, wrongfully judged or censored.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}
| | * '''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. |
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| On 4 February 2008, the [[High Court]] ruled Arif's detention illegal,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2008/02/04/hc-rules-cartoonist-arif-s-detention-illegal|title=HC rules cartoonist Arif's detention illegal|work=bdnews24.com|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref> dropped all charges brought against him and ordered his immediate release. But he was not released right away. He was finally freed on 20 March 2008,<ref name="Cartoonist Arif freed"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7307648.stm|title=Cartoonist released in Bangladesh|date=2008-03-20|access-date=2019-08-03|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2008/03/20/court-orders-release-of-cartoonist-arif|title=Court orders release of cartoonist Arif|work=bdnews24.com|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref> but the struggle continued for Arif as he found it hard to pursue his cartooning dreams like he used to. He could not continue his studies due to the scandal as universities would not admit him because of his [[Controversy|controversial]] background. In 2009, another case was filed against him in a court in [[Jessore District|Jessore]], [[Khulna]] for the very same cartoon published in 2007.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news|url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2009/11/12/cartoonist-arif-sentenced-to-two-months|title=Cartoonist Arif sentenced to two months|work=bdnews24.com|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-113872|title=Cartoonist Arif jailed|date=2009-11-12|work=The Daily Star|language=en|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref> The court in Jessore sentenced him to two months of rigorous imprisonment and fined him 500 Bangladeshi Taka, or another seven days in prison for impiety.<ref name=":9" />
| | == 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. |
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| Many Bangladeshi newspapers refused to publish any more of Arif's cartoons but some of them, the likes of [[The Daily Ittefaq]] and The Daily Prothom Alo, however, agreed to publish them under a [[pseudonym]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://journalen.oslomet.no/bangladesh/2011/05/far-endelig-tegne-hva-han-vil|title=Får endelig tegne hva han vil|website=Journalen|language=nb|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref> Arif was disheartened with that turn of events. His desire to create an uncensorable cartooning platform only got stronger with these unpleasant incidents fanning the fire.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrk.no/kultur/bok/avistegning-forte-til-fengsel-1.11053647|title=Avistegning førte til fengsel|last=Sigvartsen|first=Ana Leticia|date=2013-06-01|website=NRK|language=nb-NO|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref>
| | == See Also == |
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| In 2010, the Government of Norway willingly granted Arif [[Right of asylum|political asylum]] as his life came to a standstill in Bangladesh and his life was under constant threat.<ref name=":0" /> Arif wanted to stay back in Bangladesh but he was not able to because of his controversy, as he was labeled by his [[2007 Bangladesh cartoon controversy|2007 scandal]]. Arif also came to fear for his life as one [[threat]] after another kept on coming in all shapes and forms. He had no option but to [[emigrate]] to Norway on 30 November 2010, and start a new life there for himself and his ambitions.<ref name=":0" /> He cannot enter Bangladesh ever again without being [[Prosecutor|prosecuted]].<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" />
| | * '''[[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. |
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| == Cartooning in Norway == | | == External Links == |
| In Norway, his cartoons were published in various newspapers and magazines, such as [[Akershus Amtstidende]], [[Ny Tid]], [[Syn og Segn]], [[Samtiden]], [[Aftenposten]], Østlandposten, [[Østlands-Posten]], [[Bladet Vesterålen]], [[Avisa Nordland]], [[Glåmdalen (newspaper)|Glåmdalen]], [[Stavanger Aftenblad]] and [[White paper|Melding til Stortinget]] by [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Norway)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] (Norway).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.regjeringen.no/no/dokumenter/Meld-St-10-20142015/id2345623/|title=Meld. St. 10 (2014-2015)|date=2014-12-12|website=Regjeringen.no|language=no|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aftenbladet.no/article/sa-7ORB3.html|title=Maktelitens nye bibelord: Størst av alt er storleiken|website=Aftenbladet|date=9 November 2016 |language=no|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Aarsæter |first1=Nils |last2=Stensvaag |first2=Per Gunnar |date=2016-11-09 |title=Regioner, realisme og regneferdighet |url=https://www.blv.no/meninger/kommunereform/nordland-fylkeskommune/regioner-realisme-og-regneferdighet/o/5-9-163358 |work=Bladet Vesterålen |language=no |access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.an.no/debatt/tromso/nord-norge/regioner-realisme-og-regneferdighet/o/5-4-422477?ns_campaign=article&ns_mchannel=recommend_button&ns_source=facebook&ns_linkname=facebook&ns_fee=0|title=REGIONER, REALISME OG REGNEFERDIGHET|date=2016-11-09|website=www.an.no|language=no|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.op.no/debatt/kommunesammenslaing/politikk/logner-om-kommunereformen/o/5-36-266569?ns_campaign=article&ns_mchannel=recommend_button&ns_source=facebook&ns_linkname=facebook&ns_fee=0|title=Løgner om kommunereformen|date=2016-10-03|website=www.op.no|language=no|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amta.no/helse/nyheter/kommentar/generasjon-frustrasjon/o/5-3-117111?ns_campaign=article&ns_mchannel=recommend_button&ns_source=facebook&ns_linkname=facebook&ns_fee=0|title=Generasjon frustrasjon|date=2016-03-18|website=www.amta.no|language=no|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref>
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| === Attack on cartoon exhibition ===
| | * '''Arifur Rahman's Personal Website:''' www.arifurrahman.com |
| On March 1, 2017, Arifur Rahman had an exhibition in Drøbak, where some new [[Syrians|Syrian]] [[refugee]]s appeared in the exhibition place before opening and took two of his drawings. One of the drawings was from [[2007 Bangladesh cartoon controversy|2007 from Bangladesh]] and another one was a criticism of the education system, “[[Bangladesh Madrasah Education Board|Madrasa Education System]]” in Bangladesh.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://freemuse.org/news/norway-exhibition-attacked-municipality-allegedly-keep-incident-quiet/|title=Norway: Exhibition attacked; municipality allegedly tries to keep incident quiet|last=Freemuse|website=Freemuse|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-08-03|archive-date=2018-06-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614224533/https://freemuse.org/news/norway-exhibition-attacked-municipality-allegedly-keep-incident-quiet/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cartoonistsrights.org/norway-cartoon-exhibition-attacked-cover-up-alleged/|title=Norway: cartoon exhibition attacked, cover-up alleged|date=2017-04-05|website=CARTOONISTS RIGHTS NETWORK INTERNATIONAL|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-03|archive-date=2019-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720211154/https://cartoonistsrights.org/norway-cartoon-exhibition-attacked-cover-up-alleged/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amta.no/debatt/ytringsfrihet/avistegnere/arifurs-tegninger-og-arifurs-frykt/o/5-3-198799?ns_campaign=article&ns_mchannel=recommend_button&ns_source=facebook&ns_linkname=facebook&ns_fee=0|title=Arifurs tegninger – og Arifurs frykt|date=2017-03-10|website=www.amta.no|language=no|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amta.no/debatt/ytringsfrihet/avistegnere/nar-sant-skal-sies-og-det-skal-det-jo/o/5-3-198623?ns_campaign=article&ns_mchannel=recommend_button&ns_source=facebook&ns_linkname=facebook&ns_fee=0|title=Når sant skal sies - og det skal det jo|date=2017-03-09|website=www.amta.no|language=no|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rights.no/2017/03/foler-seg-ikke-lenger-trygg-i-fribyen-drobak-kommunalt-ansatte-forsokte-a-dysse-ned-saken/|title=Føler seg ikke lenger trygg i fribyen Drøbak – kommunalt ansatte...|last=Hjerpset-Østlie|first=Nina|website=Human Rights Service|date=12 March 2017 |language=nb-NO|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amta.no/debatt/avistegnere/ytringsfrihet/arifur-fortalte-at-han-opplevde-situasjonen-som-svart-truende-han-foler-seg-ikke-lenger-trygg-i-drobak/o/5-3-197830?ns_campaign=article&ns_mchannel=recommend_button&ns_source=facebook&ns_linkname=facebook&ns_fee=0|title=Arifur fortalte at han opplevde situasjonen som svært truende. Han føler seg ikke lenger trygg i Drøbak|date=2017-03-08|website=www.amta.no|language=no|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref>
| | * '''Toons Mag:''' www.toonsmag.com |
| | | * '''ICORN:''' www.icorn.org |
| == Online media and publishing platform ==
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| {{Main|Toons Mag}}
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| [[File:Freedom of cartooning.png|thumb|Toons Mag logo and symbols of freedom of speech.]]
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| Arifur Rahman founded [[Toons Mag]] on November 1, 2009. With it, Arifur Rahman's ambition was to create a platform for artists around the world to express themselves without ever being concerned about being shut up by others. Toons Mag was everything Arif had dreamed of and more. To this day, Toons Mag promotes [[Freedom of speech|freedom of expression]] and encourages cartoonists around the world to contribute to it to enrich their cartooning expertise. It has also been holding the International Cartoon Contest and Exhibition every year since 2015 and its venues are scattered around Europe and Asia. Hundreds of cartoonists from around the globe participate in the contest and the selected artworks are exhibited in selected venues each year. So far, it has held exhibitions in over forty venues around the world. Toons Mag is exclusively edited by Arifur Rahman and it continues to be an untameable advocate of free speech. Cartoonists and writers from around the world willingly contribute to Toons Mag to showcase their talent and fulfill their potential.<ref name=":10" />
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| In 2015, Toons Mag was nominated for the Best of Online Activism by [[The BOBs (weblog award)|The BOBs]] (Best of the Blogs), sponsored by [[Deutsche Welle]] and won it with an outstanding number of votes to its credit.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|url=https://www.icorn.org/article/cartoonist-arifur-rahman-awarded-prize-best-online-activist|title=Cartoonist Arifur Rahman awarded prize for best online activist|website=ICORN international cities of refuge network|language=en|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref> Toons Mag also awards The Cartoonist of the Year Medal every year for outstanding contributions to cartoons since 2016. Arifur Rahman is the one behind Toons Mag's excellence and it has become a mirror of who its founder is at heart.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mundiario.com/articulo/cultura/dibujante-mexicano-antonio-rodriguez-defensa-valores-humanos/20170711132506094447.html|title=El dibujante mexicano Antonio Rodríguez y su defensa de los valores humanos|website=Mundiario|date=11 July 2017 |language=es|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref>
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| == Exhibitions ==
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| Since 2000 to present, his artwork and cartoons have been exhibited in more than 40 places, including Bangladesh, [[India]], [[Nepal]], Norway, [[Sweden]], [[Morocco]], [[Turkey]], [[France]], [[Croatia]], [[Slovakia]] and the United States.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=160&artikel=6038098|title=Världens satirtecknare lever farligt - P4 Östergötland|newspaper=Sveriges Radio|date=5 December 2014 |language=sv|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.folkbladet.se/kultur-noje/jag-forstod-inte-vilka-konsekvenser-serien-skulle-fa-7574883.aspx|title=Jag förstod inte vilka konsekvenser serien skulle få|last=Segraeus|first=Sara|date=2014-12-06|website=www.folkbladet.se|access-date=2019-08-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720223426/https://www.folkbladet.se/kultur-noje/jag-forstod-inte-vilka-konsekvenser-serien-skulle-fa-7574883.aspx|archive-date=2019-07-20|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web|url=https://www.arbetetsmuseum.se/utstallning/barn-och-krig/|title=Barn och krig|website=arbetetsmuseum|date=|language=sv-SE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705211146/https://www.arbetetsmuseum.se/utstallning/barn-och-krig/|archive-date=2019-07-05|access-date=2019-08-03|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amta.no/nesodden/drobak/fribytegner-stiller-ut-politiske-tegninger-pa-nesodden/s/5-3-22038?ns_campaign=article&ns_mchannel=recommend_button&ns_source=facebook&ns_linkname=facebook&ns_fee=0|title=Fribytegner stiller ut politiske tegninger på Nesodden|date=2015-02-20|website=www.amta.no|language=no|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.icorn.org/article/children-war|title=Children in War|website=ICORN international cities of refuge network|language=en|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.icorn.org/article/icorn-cartoonist-exhibition-drobak|title=ICORN Cartoonist with exhibition in Drøbak|website=ICORN international cities of refuge network|language=en|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/sunday-read/The-feminist-half/articleshow/51170601.cms|title=The feminist half|last=Madhukar|first=Jayanthi |date=February 27, 2016|website=Bangalore Mirror|language=en|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mzv.sk/web/oslo/spravy/-/asset_publisher/qUcjGk6Falrh/content/pozvanka-na-vystavu/10182|title=Pozvánka na výstavu - Správy - MZV MZV PORTAL|website=www.mzv.sk|access-date=2019-08-03|archive-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617202046/https://www.mzv.sk/web/oslo/spravy/-/asset_publisher/qUcjGk6Falrh/content/pozvanka-na-vystavu/10182|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://epaper.newindianexpress.com/1203176/Indulge-Chennai/12-05-2017#dual/16/1|title=Express Publications Indulge - Chennai dated Fri, 12 May 17 |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://serienett.no/serienett/politiske-perspektiv/|title=Politiske perspektiv • serienett.no|last=Sätre|first=Trond|date=2017-06-12|website=serienett.no|language=nb-NO|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vymenniky.sk/blog/kresleny-humor-je-prejavom-slobody/|title=Kreslený humor je prejavom slobody|date=2017-08-20|website=Výmenníky|language=sk|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref>
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| == International initiatives ==
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| Arifur Rahman organized multiple International Cartoon Contest and Exhibitions through the cartoon Magazine [[Toons Mag]] to support [[children's rights]], [[women's rights]], freedom of expression, and [[gender equality]].
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| === Children in War ===
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| {{Main|Toons Mag#2015: Children in War}}
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| In 2015, organized the International Cartoon Exhibition "[[Toons Mag#2015: Children in War|Children in War]]" to focus on the suffering of children in war and conflict areas, such as in [[Syria]], [[Yemen]], [[Afghanistan]], [[Iraq]]. One hundred and twenty-eight cartoonists participated in 51 different countries. On 10 September 2015, the exhibition was opened by [[Bishop]] [[Atle Sommerfeldt]] in The Norwegian Cartoonist Gallery (Avistegnernes Hus), [[Drøbak]]. It was a moving exhibition, which was exhibited in [[Oslo]], [[Nesodden]], [[Bergen]], [[Stavanger]], [[Haugesund]], [[Kristiansand]] in Norway, and [[Norrköping]], [[Sweden]]. The event was supported by The Norwegian Cartoonist Gallery and [[Fritt Ord (organization)|Fritt Ord]].<ref name=":12" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amta.no/barn/drobak/kultur/biskopen-apner-utstilling-i-drobak-om-barns-lidelser-i-krig/s/5-3-74422?ns_campaign=article&ns_mchannel=recommend_button&ns_source=facebook&ns_linkname=facebook&ns_fee=0|title=Biskopen åpner utstilling i Drøbak om barns lidelser i krig|date=2015-09-08|website=www.amta.no|language=no|access-date=2019-08-05}}</ref>
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| === Women's Rights ===
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| {{Main|Toons Mag#2016: Women's Rights}}
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| To draw the global awareness about [[women's rights]], the cartoon competition was organized by Arifur Rahman and Toons Mag. 567 cartoonists were participated from 79 different countries with 1,625 drawings, and 12 cartoonist was won the award out of 567 cartoonists. A selection was represented in the Women's Rights exhibitions, which opened in Drøbak, [[Bangalore]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] on [[International Women's Day]], 8 March 2016.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|url=https://www.vg.no/i/L281R|title=Tema: Kvinners rettigheter: Moren ble barnebrud som 11-åring - nå tegner Arifur (31) for kvinners rettigheter|website=www.vg.no|date=7 March 2016 |language=nb|access-date=2019-08-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/sunday-read/The-feminist-half/articleshow/51170601.cms|title=The feminist half|last=Madhukar|first=Jayanthi|date=February 27, 2016|website=Bangalore Mirror|language=en|access-date=2019-08-05}}</ref> The drawings in the exhibitions deal with women's rights and limitations; the lack of [[education]], [[forced marriage]], female genital mutilation, [[violence]], [[discrimination]], [[Legal protection of access to abortion|legal protection]], and [[workload]].<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.icorn.org/article/womens-rights-cartoons|title=Women's Rights in Cartoons|website=ICORN international cities of refuge network|language=en|access-date=2019-08-05}}</ref> On 10 December 2016, it was exhibited in the Brain Sneezing Gallery in the [[Prešov]] Wave Club, [[Slovakia]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rtvs.sk/televizia/archiv/13982/112697|title=Správy RTVS|website=rtvs.sk|language=sk|access-date=2019-08-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mzv.sk/web/oslo/spravy/-/asset_publisher/qUcjGk6Falrh/content/pozvanka-na-vystavu/10182|title=Pozvánka na výstavu - Správy - MZV MZV PORTAL|website=www.mzv.sk|access-date=2019-08-05|archive-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617202046/https://www.mzv.sk/web/oslo/spravy/-/asset_publisher/qUcjGk6Falrh/content/pozvanka-na-vystavu/10182|url-status=dead}}</ref> The event was supported by The Norwegian Cartoonist Gallery, Fritt Ord,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.frittord.no/prosjektstotte/utvalgte-prosjekter-ind/womens-rights-avistegnernes-hus/|title=Utstillingen "Women's Rights" på Avistegnernes Hus|website=www.frittord.no|access-date=2019-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617125120/http://www.frittord.no/prosjektstotte/utvalgte-prosjekter-ind/womens-rights-avistegnernes-hus/|archive-date=2019-06-17|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Indian Institute of Cartoonists|Indian Institute of Cartoonist]], Brain Sneezing Gallery, Prešov Wave club, EEA funds, and the [[Slovakia|Slovak Republic]].
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| === Freedom of Expression ===
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| {{Main|Toons Mag#2017: Freedom of Expression}}
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| This exhibition was organized to support freedom of expression. It has five hundred and eighteen cartoonists who participated from 83 countries, submitting 1,556 cartoons, and 12 cartoonists were won the award out of 518 cartoonists. The exhibition opening was in three countries, Norway, India, and Slovakia. Per Edgard Kokkvold, writer and former newspaper editor inaugurated the exhibition, in [[Drøbak]]. In [[Lillehammer]], Norwegian musician [[Moddi|Moddi Knutsen]], inaugurated the exhibition and Norwegian political cartoonist [[Roar Hagen]] announced the award winner. It was also exhibited in Kýchanie Mozgu – Brain Sneezing gallery, Prešov, and [[Košice]], Slovakia, as well as in the [[Slovak embassy]] in Oslo, Norway. Later on, it was exhibited on [[Eidsvoll]], Norway.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.eub.no/nyheter/fra-fengsel-i-hjemlandet-til-utstilling-paa-verket|title=Fra fengsel i hjemlandet til utstilling på Verket|website=www.eub.no|language=nb-NO|access-date=2019-08-05|archive-date=2019-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617200545/http://www.eub.no/nyheter/fra-fengsel-i-hjemlandet-til-utstilling-paa-verket|url-status=dead}}</ref> The event was supported by The Norwegian Cartoonist Gallery, Fritt Ord,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mia.no/museumstjenesten/freedom-of-expression|title=Freedom of Expression - Museumstjenesten|website=mia.no|language=no|access-date=2019-08-05}}</ref> [[Norwegian Festival of Literature]] in Lillehammer,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://litteraturfestival.no/en/2016/12/frie-ytringer-freedom-of-expression/|title=Freedom of Expression|date=2016-12-13|website=Norsk Litteraturfestival|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-05}}</ref> Brain Sneezing Gallery, Prešov, and Indian Institute of Cartoonist.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://epaper.newindianexpress.com/1203176/Indulge-Chennai/12-05-2017|title=Express Publications Indulge - Chennai dated Fri, 12 May 17 |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=2019-08-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/culture/cover-story/2017/may/12/toons-shall-overcome-fight-for-freedom-of-expression-1469.html|title=Toons shall overcome: The fight for freedom of expression|website=www.indulgexpress.com|date=12 May 2017 |access-date=2019-08-05}}</ref>
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| == Politics ==
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| In 2018, Arifur Rahman became a member of the [[Socialist Left Party (Norway)|Socialist Left Party of Norway]]. He was elected deputy of the local party committee and was nominated as a candidate in the [[Frogn]] Municipality election 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cartoonistsrights.org/arifur-rahman-runs-for-office/|title=Arifur Rahman runs for office|date=2019-07-17|website=Cartoonists Rights Network International|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-24|archive-date=2019-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720211145/https://cartoonistsrights.org/arifur-rahman-runs-for-office/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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| == Awards and achievements ==
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| * 2005, Arifur Rahman won third prize in the Pin Hunt put on by [[Prothom Alo|The Daily Prothom Alo]]’s periodical, Alpin (আলপিন).
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| * 2006, he won third prize in the Anti-Corruption Cartoon Competition arranged by [[Transparency International Bangladesh|Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB)]].
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| * 2007, he won first prize in the Anti-Corruption Cartoon Competition arranged by ''[[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|The Daily Star]]''.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name="Cartoons against corruption"/>
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| * 2008, he won a special achievement award in the Anti-Corruption Cartoon Competition arranged by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).
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| * 2008, he won the special achievement award from [[Cartoonists Rights Network, International|Cartoonist Rights Network, International]].
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| * 2011, he won the special achievement award for the short animation film, Try.
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| * 2015, Arif received the Cartoonist Pedro Memorial Grant from the Norwegian Artist Federation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amta.no/drobak/kultur/fribytegner-rahman-fra-drobak-er-tildelt-tegneforbundets-stipend/s/5-3-83181?ns_campaign=article&ns_mchannel=recommend_button&ns_source=facebook&ns_linkname=facebook&ns_fee=0|title=Fribytegner Rahman fra Drøbak er tildelt Tegneforbundets stipend|date=2015-10-19|website=www.amta.no|language=no|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref>
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| * 2015, the online magazine, Toons Mag, founded and edited by him, won [[The BOBs (weblog award)|The BOBs]] (Best of the Blogs) sponsored by [[Deutsche Welle]] for Best of [[Internet activism|Online Activism]].<ref name=":11" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thebobs.com/english/category/2015/peoples-choice-for-bengali-2015/|title=People's Choice for Bengali - The Bobs - Best of Online Activism|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-03|archive-date=2019-07-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720223422/http://thebobs.com/english/category/2015/peoples-choice-for-bengali-2015/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amta.no/avistegnere/nyheter/drobak/drobak-tegner-arifur-rahman-karet-til-beste-aktivist-pa-nett/s/5-3-39468?ns_campaign=article&ns_mchannel=recommend_button&ns_source=facebook&ns_linkname=facebook&ns_fee=0|title=Drøbak-tegner Arifur Rahman kåret til beste aktivist på nett|date=2015-05-04|website=www.amta.no|language=no|access-date=2019-08-03}}</ref>
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| == References ==
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| <references />
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| == External links ==
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| {{Wikiquote}}
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| {{Commons}}
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| * [https://www.arifurrahman.com Official Website]
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| * [https://www.cartoonistarif.com Cartoon Site]
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| {{authority control}}
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| {{DEFAULTSORT:Rahman, Arifur}}
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| [[Category:Amnesty International prisoners of conscience held by Bangladesh]]
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| [[Category:Bangladeshi prisoners and detainees]]
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| [[Category:Bangladeshi editorial cartoonists]]
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| [[Category:Bangladeshi comics artists]]
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| [[Category:Bangladeshi animators]]
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| [[Category:Norwegian animators]]
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| [[Category:Norwegian comics artists]]
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| [[Category:Norwegian editorial cartoonists]]
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| [[Category:Norwegian satirists]]
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| [[Category:1984 births]]
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| [[Category:Living people]]
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| [[Category:People from Shahzadpur Upazila]]
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| [[Category:People from Akershus]]
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| [[Category:People from Frogn]]
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| [[Category:Bangladeshi emigrants to Norway]]
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