Bangladesh’s Cannes contenders: POP5 puts local creativity on the global stage
Bangladesh’s creative industry is gaining increasing international attention, with two campaigns from independent agency POP5 emerging as potential Cannes Lions contenders following strong performances across the global awards circuit.
The campaigns – Shopnodhora Plot Farming and DBL TileChalk – have together earned 17 international recognitions, including wins and shortlists at D&AD, The One Show, MAD STARS, ADFEST, Spikes Asia, PHNX Awards and The ANDYs.
Both ideas were rooted in distinctly local Bangladeshi challenges, something Mohammad Akrum Hossain, Chief Creative Officer at POP5 Bangladesh, says was central to the work.
“Neither idea was created with international juries in mind. Both were designed to solve real problems affecting Bangladeshi communities, industries and livelihoods,” said Hossain.
Shopnodhora Plot Farming tackled two growing issues in Bangladesh: rapid urbanisation and the lack of sustainable opportunities for landless farmers. Developed for Shopnodhora Assets Development, the initiative transformed vacant residential plots awaiting development into productive farmland through a supervised sharecropping model connecting landowners with farmers. The project has so far won a Graphite Pencil at D&AD, a Grand Prix and Gold at MAD STARS, a Bronze Spike at Spikes Asia and multiple recognitions at The One Show, PHNX Awards and The ANDYs.
Meanwhile, DBL TileChalk addressed waste generated by Bangladesh’s ceramic industry by transforming ceramic sludge into classroom chalk in partnership with DBL Ceramics. The project combined sustainability and education, creating value from industrial waste while supporting schools with affordable classroom materials. TileChalk has picked up awards and shortlists at ADFEST, The One Show, Spikes Asia, PHNX Awards and The ANDYs.
“The significance of these projects goes beyond awards,” added Hossain. “They demonstrate that globally recognised creativity can emerge from local realities, local insights and local challenges.”
Founded in 2024, POP5 remains an independent agency, making the international recognition particularly notable in a market that has historically been underrepresented on the global festival stage. As Cannes Lions approaches, the success of both campaigns signals growing momentum for Bangladeshi creativity on the world stage.
