Ahmed Kabir Kishore

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Ahmed Kabir Kishore (born May 30, 1974) is a Bangladeshi cartoonist known for his cartoons that often address human rights and social issues.

Early life and career
Kishore learned drawing from his father and brother. He studied architecture at BUET but did not finish. He served in the Bangladesh Navy and earned a BSc from the Naval Academy, later studying governance at the University of Dhaka. He worked as a cartoonist for several outlets, including Bichitra, Prothom Alo, Amar Desh, and Jugantor, and later became an editorial cartoonist for Amar Desh. He is also recognized as a leader of Cartoonists Rights Network International in Bangladesh and has campaigned for other jailed or disappeared cartoonists and writers.

Activism and COVID-era cartoons
Kishore used his art to support human rights and language rights, and he created cartoons that criticized the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, notably a series titled “Life in the Time of Corona” published on Facebook in 2020.

Arrest and allegations
In May 2020, Kishore and his associate Mushtaq Ahmed were arrested in Dhaka under the Digital Security Act. They were accused of spreading rumours about Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh’s Liberation War, and the government’s handling of the pandemic, with claims it could cause unrest. Some reports place the detention as starting on May 2; authorities said May 5. Other people were charged in connection with the case as well.

Torture allegations and release
Kishore later testified that he was tortured in custody, with beatings and injuries that damaged his ear and ear drum, and that he was denied food and insulin for his diabetes. He required medical treatment after release on bail. The government and police denied the torture allegations. International human rights groups and 13 OECD countries condemned the arrest and torture claims and urged his release. His associate Mushtaq Ahmed died in prison in February 2021.

Bail and after
A high court panel granted Kishore bail on March 3, 2021, and he was released on March 5, 2021. He filed a torture complaint with a Dhaka court on March 10, 2021. The case drew international attention as part of broader concerns about press freedom in Bangladesh.

Awards
In 2020, Kishore received the Robert Russell Courage in Cartooning Award for his social engagement and defense of human rights, and he has also been honored with the Unmad medal for his work in cartoons.

Legacy
Kishore’s experience highlighted worries about freedom of expression and the treatment of journalists and cartoonists in Bangladesh, drawing coverage from international media and human rights organizations.