Music lovers in Dhaka have two major free concerts to choose from today, as events are being held at Manik Mia Avenue and Suhrawardy Udyan to commemorate the second anniversary of the July mass uprising.
The Monsoon Cultural Alliance is organising the Borsha Biplober Gaan concert at Manik Mia Avenue, celebrating the spirit of the July uprising through music.
The line-up features some of Bangladesh’s most popular bands, including Artcell, Shironamhin, Ark, AvoidRafa and Kureghor.
Performances by Nahid and Musicians are also scheduled.
Solo performers include Asif Akbar, rapper Shezan, Parasha Mahjabin, and Kazi Ahnaf Tahmid.
In a video message, members of Shironamhin invited fans to join the event, saying they would sing together in celebration of “our shared courage and love.”
Asif Akbar also urged fans on social media to gather at Manik Mia Avenue for the concert.
According to the organisers, the event aims to celebrate the values of freedom, unity and protest that emerged during the July movement through the power of music.
Meanwhile, the Concert for Democracy will take place at Suhrawardy Udyan, featuring performances by veteran and contemporary bands including Miles, Warfaze, Different Touch, Lalon, Highway, Ashes and Ray Ray.
The concert is organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, supervised by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, with support from the Bangladesh Musical Bands Association (BAMBA).
The event will begin at 3pm and continue until 9pm, while entry gates will open at 1pm.
BAMBA President Hamin Ahmed said the concert was organised to properly observe the significance of 5 August, adding that music had played an important role during the July movement and remains a powerful way to honour its legacy.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General Rezauddin Stalin said the concert aims to keep the memory of the July uprising alive for younger generations.
He added that comprehensive security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the event is held safely and smoothly.
The concerts follow Tuesday’s Sound of July programme at Rabindra Sarobar, where rap performances, music, poetry and theatre paid tribute to the movement and highlighted its enduring cultural impact.
