Tales of wall: How Chikamara and Graffities have changed over time

Graffiti has made a unique name in Bangladesh and within its cultural landscape, where it is often seen as an act of artistic expression and urban resentment. Graffiti, which has its roots in the country’s historical and sociopolitical setting, has evolved from traditional forms to contemporary street art, changing urban landscapes and establishing the distinctive cultural identity of places like Dhaka. Bangladesh has a rich graffiti history intimately associated with the nation’s political upheavals and cultural shifts. ‘Chika Mara,’ or writing or sketching on walls, is one of Bangladesh’s oldest public art types.  During the Liberation War of 1971, this technique became a potent political speech and resistance tool. Slogans and pictures evoked strong feelings in the populace and called for solidarity against Pakistan’s repressive rule.  Chika Mara was first used as an outlet for public announcements, social commentary, and political messaging. It offered the general public a voice, allowing them to voice their thoughts and participate in the national discourse.  Chika Mara has changed over time, absorbing more creative components and becoming a dynamic cultural phenomenon. It now represents social, religious, and artistic themes exploring words of wisdom, quotations from the holy books, and the objectives of the development...