Wall art can do more than beautify a city; it can spark awareness and inspire meaningful change. With this belief, Berger Paints Bangladesh launched “Wrong Bodle Rongin Kori,” a campaign designed to motivate society to replace harmful practices with positive actions. Through striking paintings, the initiative highlights important issues such as urban tree plantation, healthy social values, and broader themes of sustainability. By turning public spaces into creative storytelling platforms, the campaign encourages reflection and helps build a more conscious, compassionate and colorful society.

Image Source: Berger Paints Bangladesh Ltd & Third Eye Solutions Ltd, Dhaka

The image (Picture: 01) shows a large and striking wall painting on the side of a multi‑storey building that delivers a powerful message about environmental responsibility. The artwork depicts a young child wearing a school uniform, kneeling on barren, cracked ground while planting a small sapling. The child carries an oxygen cylinder on the back—symbolizing a future where clean air becomes scarce. Behind the child, dark smoke rises from industrial structures, representing pollution, environmental degradation, and irresponsible urban growth.

The wall painting (Picture: 02) on the building wall delivers a compelling message about the importance of protecting our natural water resources. Viewed from above, the artwork features a traditional boat gliding through crystal‑blue water, surrounded by lotus flowers and water lilies. The serene imagery instantly draws attention, encouraging viewers to imagine a world where water remains pure, vibrant, and life‑giving.

Together, these two powerful artworks vividly illustrate the alarming state of our environment. They serve as a stark reminder that if we fail to act now—if we ignore the warnings, neglect our responsibilities, and continue harmful practices—we risk leaving behind a world that is neither livable nor sustainable for future generations.

Emulsion-based latex paints, such as Berger Robbialac Acrylic Premium Emulsion and Radiance Interior & Exterior Emulsion, are widely used in wall art projects. These products have become especially prominent in Berger Paints Bangladesh’s popular campaign “Rong Bodle Rongin Kori,” where artists use them for vibrant, long‑lasting mural work.

Colours of Tradition: The Alpona Story

Alpona is a traditional Bengali folk art distinguished by its bold white motifs and symbolic patterns painted on floors and walls during festivals, weddings, and other auspicious occasions. Traditionally created by women, this art form originated in undivided Bengal and held significance in both Muslim and Hindu households. Early Alpona designs featured cultural symbols such as birds, fish, leaves, and floral patterns, reflecting everyday life and spiritual beliefs. Over time, the style has evolved, yet it continues to embody a rich folk heritage. In Bangladesh, Alpona remains an integral part of national celebrations, prominently appearing during occasions such as International Mother Language Day (February 21), Independence Day (March 26), Pahela Baishakh (April 14), and Victory Day (December 16).

The Alpona stretches across the street in a vibrant tapestry of colours—rich reds, deep blues, bright yellows, fresh greens, and warm oranges. These hues swirl together in flowing, organic patterns, creating a festive mosaic that reflects the joyful, celebratory spirit of Bengali tradition. Every year, Berger Paints Bangladesh organizes Alpona festivals across various locations in the country to celebrate Bangla New Year (Pohela Boishakh). The longest Alpona in the world spans 14,200 meters, created by Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited, Banglalink Digital Communications Limited, and Asiatic Experiential Marketing Limited. It stretches from Mithamoin to Austagram in Kishoreganj, Bangladesh, and was completed on 25 April 2024.

Alpona designs were traditionally created using a white paste made from soaked rice flour, water, and chalk powder, producing a natural and temporary finish. In modern practice, acrylic emulsion paint has become the preferred choice for its durability and vibrant color quality, especially in large street or floor artworks. In Bangladesh, popular products used for contemporary Alpona include Berger Robbialac Acrylic Premium Emulsion, Radiance Interior and Exterior Emulsion Paint, and Moonstar Alpona Paint, all offering smooth coverage and long‑lasting performance.

Graffiti: The Public Voice of Awareness

Graffiti art is a powerful form of visual expression created in public spaces—most commonly on walls, buildings, trains, or other urban surfaces. Characterized by bold colors, stylized lettering, and striking imagery, it transforms everyday environments into vibrant storytelling platforms. Beyond its artistic appeal, graffiti often serves as a voice for the unheard, raising awareness about social injustices, political crises, and various societal anomalies. Through its raw and provocative style, graffiti challenges people to think, reflect, and engage with issues that affect communities and the world at large.

“Subodh, run away — the times are not in your favor.” This line is a powerful social commentary, portraying Subodh as an everyman figure—someone innocent, thoughtful, or morally upright—who is forced to flee because society has become hostile to truth, integrity, and freedom. The graffiti message reflects a climate where truth, innocence, or moral clarity becomes vulnerable in the face of societal or political turbulence. By urging Subodh to flee, the artwork exposes the harsh reality that good individuals can feel unsafe or powerless when circumstances turn oppressive. Its stark visual symbolism and urgent tone together deliver a powerful critique of the times, making it a compelling expression of contemporary social awareness.

The Moghbazar Graffiti Art in Dhaka is part of a broader public‑awareness initiative designed to encourage citizens to keep walls clean and preserve shared spaces from visual pollution. Combining the instruction with vibrant graffiti art transforms a simple directive into a cultural, positive, and visually engaging reminder that public environments should be respected and maintained beautifully.

Acrylic-based aerosol spray paints remain the most popular choice for graffiti due to their quick drying, strong adhesion, durability, and availability in both high‑gloss and matte finishes. Common options include imported Chinese spray paints and local brands like Rainbow. Recently, emulsion-based acrylic paints such as Berger Robbialac Acrylic Premium Emulsion, Radiance Interior & Exterior Emulsion, and other local brands have gained popularity for graffiti because they are more economical and offer better coverage.

The Art of Rickshaw Painting

Rickshaw painting is a vibrant and unique art form of Bangladesh, known for its bold colours and lively imagery. Originally developed to attract passengers with eye‑catching designs, it has grown into a cultural symbol that reflects everyday Bangladeshi life. From glamorous film stars with iconic hairstyles to cheerful animals, Taj Mahal motifs, floral patterns, religious scenes, village landscapes, and even aeroplanes—everything finds a place on the brightly decorated rickshaws of major cities. In 2023, UNESCO recognized Bangladeshi rickshaws and rickshaw painting as part of the country’s intangible cultural heritage, celebrating this colourful tradition worldwide.

Rickshaw painters in Bangladesh typically use bright, glossy enamel paints on metal surfaces to achieve their signature vibrant look. These durable solvent‑based paints, often applied on recycled tin sheets, create bold and long‑lasting colours such as red, yellow, blue, and green. Popular and affordable enamel paint brands commonly used in rickshaw art include Berger, Asian Paints, Elite, and Moonstar.

Written By: Sk Emadul Bari, Researcher, Berger Paints Bangladesh Ltd