Thousands of people gathered at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka on Wednesday evening as music, remembrance and the spirit of resistance came together at the open-air concert Borsha Biplober Gaan, organised to commemorate the historic July Mass Uprising Day.
Despite heavy rainfall throughout the afternoon, the event drew enthusiastic crowds who braved the weather to honour those who lost their lives during the July uprising and celebrate a movement that reshaped Bangladesh’s recent history.
Organised by the Monsoon Cultural Alliance, the concert paid tribute to the martyrs of the uprising while highlighting the role of music and culture in preserving the memories of the movement.
Hosted by Dipty Chowdhury, the programme was originally scheduled to begin at 3pm. However, persistent rain that started around 2:30 pm forced organisers to delay the event until 4:30pm.
As the showers eased, the rain-soaked venue transformed into a vibrant gathering where thousands joined artists in songs of remembrance, resistance and hope.
The concert featured performances by some of Bangladesh’s most celebrated musicians and bands, including Shironamhin, ARK (Hasan), Artcell, Arbovirus, AvoidRafa, Parsha Mahjabin, Sezan, Kureghor and Asif Akbar.
Opening the evening, Band Neel performed Chena Shohor and Kon Dike, followed by Nahid and Musicians with Tomar Pichu Charbo Na and 36 July. Rapper JK Tahmid energised the audience with Bayan and Shob Shalara Chor, while Parsha Mahjabin captivated the crowd with Boshonto Batase Soi Go, Ami Jare Bashi Bhalo, Kajoler Cheye Kalo and Bokul Phool.
As the evening progressed, AvoidRafa performed favourites including Amar Har Kala Korlam Re, Cholo Arekbar Uri and Ami Akash Pathabo, while Arbovirus thrilled fans with Ay Ay Bondhura Fire Ay, Hariye Jao and Jalo Agun Jalo.
Kureghor and Asif Akbar also entertained the audience with several of their popular songs before the night concluded with electrifying performances by ARK, Shironamhin and Artcell.
Several political leaders attended the programme, including Acting Speaker of Parliament Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam, National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary and MP Akhter Hossain, and MP Hasnat Abdullah.
Addressing the gathering, Kaiser Kamal said the sacrifices of those who died during the July Mass Uprising had created the path towards building a new Bangladesh. He paid tribute to the martyrs and those who were killed or disappeared during anti-fascist protests, urging people from all walks of life to unite against oppression, imperialism and fascism.
Nahid Islam also honoured the martyrs, including Abu Sayeed, Mugdho and Wasim, as well as those injured during the movement.
He expressed gratitude to the artists and cultural activists who stood beside students and citizens throughout the 2024 protests and voiced hope for a Bangladesh founded on equality and justice.
Speaking at the event, Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the implementation committee of Borsha Biplober Gaan and chief organiser (South Region) of the NCP, called on the nation to build a society based on equality, human dignity and social justice.
As thousands sang along under the open sky despite the rain, Borsha Biplober Gaan became more than a concert—it emerged as a powerful tribute to the memories, sacrifices and aspirations of July, uniting audiences through music and a shared vision for Bangladesh’s future.
