Kazi Abul Kasem

When Bengali Muslims started to re-emerge as a modern and independent community during the late 19th century, Kazi Abul Kasem established himself as one of the first successful Muslim painters from Bangladesh (then East Bengal). Born in May 9, 1913 in Jessore, Abul Kasem got no formal education in drawing or painting. However, during the 1930s and 40s he became one of the main caricature artistes for many renowned newspapers and magazines of this subcontinent such as Mohammadi, Bangalaxmi, Saogat etc. He is also one of the pioneer political cartoonists of South Asia. With his signature Dopiaza, his witty and intellectually stimulating editorial cartoons were critically acclaimed around the subcontinent. He was also a lifetime member of Bangla Academy. A gifted lyricist, Abul Kasem published a book titled 'Ganguli Mor' with 26 of his songs.  He has been honoured with many awards for his contribution in art and literature. He died on July 19, 2004 at Dhaka, Bangladesh.

SOME OF THE AWARDS CONFERRED TO KAZI ABUL KASHEM
Bangla Academy Award (1978)
Nasir Uddin Gold Medal (1989)
Artist S M Sultan Gold Medal (1994)
Bangladesh Charu Shilpi Shommanona (1990)
Tamaddun Mazlish Mother Languahe Award (2001) etc.

"A CARTOON OF TWO OR THREE LINES IN PENCIL CAN TELL MORE THAN A TEN PAGE ARTICLE."

"CARTOON IS LIKE LITERATURE. IT IS EVERGREEN; IT CANNOT WEAR OUT WITH TIME AND AGE."

"I PREFER CARTOONS ON SOCIAL THEMES. IT CAN POINT OUT THE DEFECTS AND DISCRIMINATION IN OUR SOCIETY."

"IDEA OR THEME GENERATION SKILLS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR DRAWING CARTOONS. ONE MUST UNDERSTAND – DRAWING CARTOONS IS AN ART, BUT WITH WIT AND PARODY."

Source: Wikipedia and Brainy Quotes