If you are a fan of comics or appreciate the beauty of this literary art form in Bangladesh, chances are you’ve come across his extraordinary work. His creations have defined the modern Bangla comic book landscape and proudly represent Bangladeshi comics on the global stage. Today, we shine a light on none other than the modern comic book maestro — Tauhidul Iqbal Sampad.
Humble Beginnings and Early Spark
Born on 17th September 1984 in Basabo, Dhaka, Tauhidul Iqbal Sampad’s journey began in the most modest of circumstances. His father, a taxi driver, could barely make ends meet, prompting his mother to run a beauty parlour from a single room in their rented house. It was here, in the confines of struggle and resilience, that Sampad discovered his calling.
His artistic journey started remarkably early — when his mother gave him a pencil at just 1 year and 4 months old. However, art supplies were a luxury his family couldn’t afford. Left with no options, young Sampad drew on the walls of their home. At first, this earned him a scolding from his mother, but upon seeing his artwork, the landlord praised the child’s raw talent and allowed him to continue.
His first artistic inspirations were simple — chickens and vegetables brought from the market. One day, his maternal cousin Romel and Romel’s mother visited and were astonished by the wall drawings. Learning the family couldn’t afford art paper, Romel’s mother — who had access to unused newsprint paper from Romel’s father’s workplace (a newspaper office) — began regularly bringing him stacks of paper. This small act of kindness nurtured a young prodigy.
Discovery of Comics and Creative Awakening
At the age of 7, Sampad’s world changed forever. While out with his mother, he discovered a Bangla Superman comic being sold on the footpath — published by Boitoroni Prokashoni. His mother, a book lover himself, bought it for him. That comicbook became the catalyst that ignited his love for comics.
Sampad began redrawing Superman comics and even started creating his own. Recognizing his passion for both art and literature, his father took him to the office of Sheba Prokashoni to meet the legendary writer Qazi Anwar Hossain. Qazi Anwar Hossain was deeply impressed by the boy’s work and advised him to create his own characters.
Though initially disappointed, feeling discouraged from drawing his beloved Superman, Sampad eventually embraced the wisdom of the advice. He soon began developing original characters, marking the true beginning of his creative journey.
Early Publications and Academic Pursuits
Sampad’s first comic was published in Kishor Patrika by Sheba Prokashoni in 1992. 
He continued drawing for the magazine for five consecutive years until its closure. He also contributed to Kishor Tarokalok, another beloved children’s magazine.
Despite his deep involvement in art, Sampad remained an excellent student. He attended Jan-E-Alam Sarker High School and passed with first division, then continued to Shaheed Ramiz Uddin Cantonment College. However, family hardship soon pushed him to an extreme decision — he ran away from home to Cox’s Bazar.
A Hard Road: Cox’s Bazar Struggles
In Cox’s Bazar, he took up a job as a table boy in Hotel Obhishar, working 16 hours a day for just 30 taka. In the remaining hours, he painted portraits of tourists on the beach, earning 60–70 taka per day. At one point, he even sold boiled eggs — buying 100 eggs for 200 taka and selling each for 5 taka.
He wrote a heartfelt letter to his father, asking him not to worry. Moved by the letter, his father traveled to Cox’s Bazar and brought him home.
Technical Training and First Professional Gig
After returning home, Sampad was introduced to 3D graphics software like 3D Max and Maya by a local acquaintance named Iqbal. He learned quickly and landed his first gig — a 3D art tutorial project — earning 2,500 taka. He passed his HSC with first division and wanted to study at Charukola (Faculty of Fine Arts).
However, his mother and maternal relatives strongly opposed the idea, fearing social stigma. With no support, he abandoned his dream and instead pursued a B.Com (despite being from a science background), eventually graduating with third division.
Disheartened, he temporarily lost interest in comics and shifted to a full-time job as a 3D texture artist.
A New Dawn — The Revival of Maruf
In 2008, he got married. Life seemed to be steering away from art until fate intervened again in 2012. He met renowned writer Niloy Nandi online, who was then Deputy Manager at Panjeri Publications. Recognizing his talent, Niloyda asked him to submit a comic for publication.
Sampad submitted an older project that later became Maruf & Der Battery. Despite its age, the comic became a hit and laid the foundation for the now-legendary Maruf series.
Years later, Maruf 2 debuted, showcasing an evolved and mature artist — a clear generational leap. This cemented Sampad’s name as a master storyteller and illustrator.
Durjoy, Opshori, and the Sampadverse
At the request of renowned cartoonist Mehedi Haque, Sampad created Durjoy for Dhaka Comics — a title that brought him immense popularity and turned him into a household name among comic lovers.
He later co-created Poncho Romancho, a reinterpretation of Qazi Anwar Hossain’s work published jointly by Sheba Prokashoni and Dhaka Comics.
Sampad also ventured into unique territory by creating Opshori, a comic with strong female protagonists. What stood out was the introduction of Bangladesh’s first-ever multiverse of comic characters. Despite being published by different publishers, characters from Maruf, Durjoy, and Opshori made guest appearances across each other’s stories — a concept common in DC and Marvel, but unprecedented in Bangla comics.
Breaking Chains: The Rise with Rongon Publications
Despite his accomplishments, Sampad was unhappy with the censorship imposed on creative work. He yearned for artistic freedom and storytelling without compromise — a desire that led him to join Rongon Publications as a Founding Advisor.
Here, he began a new chapter, starting with Ondho Akrosh (Blind Rage in English) — a gritty crime thriller that addressed societal injustices.
Order অন্ধ আক্রোশ – তৌহিদুল ইকবাল সম্পদ
It was followed by Nishachor (Nocturnal), a groundbreaking spy thriller graphic novel featuring NSF officer Badal Rizvi, who dares to take on systemic corruption.
Nishachor became a bestseller at the 2024 Ekushey Book Fair and was praised widely by national media.
These graphic novels are now available in over 100 countries via Amazon, making Bangla comics accessible to a global audience.
A special edition hardcover of Nishachor and Nocturnal is set to launch soon — pre-orders are open via Rongon Publications’ website.
Order নিশাচর- তৌহিদুল ইকবাল সম্পদ (স্পেশাল এডিশন হার্ডকভার)
Order NOCTURNAL – TAUHIDUL IQBAL SAMPAD (SPECIAL EDITION HARDCOVER)
A Legacy in the Making
Tauhidul Iqbal Sampad stands as a shining example of how perseverance, talent, and unwavering passion can break through societal constraints. With six installments of Maruf, eighteen installments of Durjoy, and groundbreaking works like Opshori, Blind Rage, and Nishachor, he has reshaped the future of Bangla comics.
His contribution to the comic book industry is not just artistic — it’s cultural. Through his work, he has built a universe where Bangla comic characters live, grow, and inspire, transcending the barriers of publisher or genre.
May this visionary continue to dazzle us with his unparalleled artistry, and may generations of readers continue to lose themselves in the ever-expanding Sampadverse.
Bengali
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
English
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish