By Simu Naser, Earki Founder and Chief Editor
When laughter becomes dangerous, satire turns into an act of courage.
That has been the story of Earki, Bangladesh’s most daring digital satire platform – one that has spent nearly the past decade pushing the boundaries of free expression through wit, irony and bold storytelling. What began as a small group of writers and designers sharing tongue-in-cheek comments on everyday absurdities has evolved into a powerful voice for democracy, critical thinking and civic engagement in one of South Asia’s most politically unstable regions.
Founded in 2017, Earki arose amid deep frustration and shrinking civic space in Bangladesh. Freedom of expression was under threat and political satire – once a vibrant part of Bengali culture – had nearly disappeared from mainstream media. Earki stepped into that gap, using humor not just to entertain but to question authority, challenge censorship and provide people with language for dissent.
Earki was born from a very Bangladeshi instinct – to laugh even in the darkest times. When you make people laugh at power, you make them think differently about it.
Over the years, Earki has built a digital audience of millions on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, creating content that combines sharp satire, investigative humor and political cartoons. But behind the satire is a serious mission: to defend freedom of expression and encourage responsible digital engagement in a society where misinformation and polarization are common.
Amplify Asia’s role: Strengthening resilience and capacity
When Earki joined the Amplify Asia network earlier this year, the organization was at a critical turning point. It had the audience, creativity and cultural credibility, but needed stronger systems and strategic thinking to sustain its growth.
Amplify Asia provided exactly the support we needed: mentorship, training and peer-learning opportunities across the region. Through Amplify Asia, we have had the opportunity to connect with other independent media innovators from this region, learning how to adapt creative storytelling to civic challenges.
Amplify Asia’s support has also helped Earki strengthen its organizational governance, enhance audience analytics and develop sustainable projects. This has enabled our team to plan long-term projects, expand editorial reach and create a more inclusive creative environment.
Amplify Asia didn’t just provide us with resources; they gave us the confidence and structure to go beyond just surviving. They helped us see Earki as part of a bigger movement for democratic media in Asia.
Standing tall in a changing Bangladesh
In August 2024, Bangladesh experienced one of its most significant political shifts – the fall of a 15-year authoritarian regime following a massive citizen uprising. During that period, Earki’s platform became a digital town square for satire, solidarity and civic discussion. While traditional media remained cautious, Earki’s satirical pieces, memes and cartoons provided people with a way to express anger, grief and hope without fear.
However, the post-movement landscape brought new challenges. Bangladesh began its journey toward democratic reform. Earki responded with a cartoon and meme fellowship, an exhibition and participation in a civic platform called ‘Voices for Reform’ to show people how to get involved in this process.
This initiative combines online storytelling with offline workshops in small towns and universities, reaching audiences who rarely engage with independent media. The result has been not just engagement, but empowerment: thousands of young people learning to think critically and act responsibly online.
What makes Earki stand out
Earki’s strength lies in its ability to use humor and satire as both a mirror and a shield, reflecting society’s contradictions while safeguarding space for free speech. Unlike many media outlets that operate within rigid editorial hierarchies, Earki functions more like a creative lab. Writers, illustrators, meme makers, cartoonists and filmmakers collaborate flexibly, continually trying out new formats, ranging from fake news bulletins and parody interviews to animated satire and short films.
This approach has transformed Earki from purely a media outlet into a cultural phenomenon, blending the spirit of traditional Bengali humor magazines with the immediacy of social media. Its success has also motivated similar initiatives in the region, demonstrating that satire, when responsibly done, can be one of the most impactful tools for civic dialogue.
Looking Forward
As Earki looks toward 2026 and beyond, the organization’s vision is clear: to become a regional hub for creative freedom, satire education and digital literacy. Our team plans to expand our fellowship program, create multimedia civic education content and build partnerships with schools, community centres and media innovators across Asia.
None of this would have been possible without Amplify Asia’s partnership, which provided a sense of belonging to a wider ecosystem of independent storytellers determined to protect truth, creativity and laughter.
Amplify Asia believed in the power of satire to change the world. That belief gave us the courage to keep going – even when it wasn’t funny anymore.