While 2025 largely unfolded as a year of disappointment for drama, cinema and theatre, the country’s music scene offered occasional moments of optimism. Despite a series of unsettling incidents that cast shadows over the industry, new releases across films, television dramas, web series and streaming platforms reflected a creative blend of tradition and modernity.
Several songs stood out, earning repeat listens and critical appreciation. ‘Lichur Bagane’ from Shakib Khan’s film ‘Taandob’ drew attention for its inventive fusion of traditional ghatu music, arranged by Pritom Hasan. The song featured vocals by Xefer, Mongol Mia and Aleya Begum alongside Pritom himself. Another much-discussed track was ‘Chand Mama’ from Borbaad, composed and arranged by Pritom and sung by Aditi Rahman Dola.
Other popular film songs included ‘Mohamaya’, sung by Nobel, and ‘Mayabi’, performed by Imran and Kona, both from Borbaad. Mila made a notable return to playback singing after many years with ‘Akashete Lokkho Tara 2.0’ for the film ‘Insaaf’, echoing the legacy of the original song from ‘Coolie’.
The track ‘Konna’ from Jinn-3, sung by Imran and Kona, also received positive responses, as did ‘Bondhugo Shono’ by the same duo.
Prince Mahmud’s work on the film ‘Jongli’ attracted attention for its lyrical and melodic strength. Songs such as ‘Maya Pakhi’, sung by Mahtim Shakib, ‘Jodi Alo Ashto’ by Habib Wahid and the duet ‘Jonom Jonom by Tahsan Khan and Atia Anisa’ resonated strongly with listeners.
Among television dramas, ‘Amar Din Gulo Sob Jay Hariye Adhare’, generated considerable discussion. Used in the drama ‘Hridoyer Kotha’, the song featured lyrics by Ahmed Rizvi and music arranged by Imran Mahmudul. Similarly, ‘Jodi Monta Churi Kori’ from the drama ‘Ashiqui’, sung by Kona and Sajib Das, found favour with audiences. The song was written by Salauddin Sagar and composed and arranged by Sajib Das.
Another well-received drama song was ‘Eto Prem Eto Maya’ from ‘Mon Duari’, with lyrics by Someshwar Oli. Rehan Rasul and Avanti Sinthi lent their voices, while Sajid Sarkar handled the composition and arrangement.
Beyond films and dramas, Coke Studio Bangla releases remained influential. Runa Laila’s rendition of ‘Mast Qalandar’ drew wide attention, as did ‘Moha Jadu’, a cross-cultural collaboration sung and arranged by Habib with Tajik artist Mehreniger Rustam. The song was written and composed by Baul Shah Khwaja Mia. Another Coke Studio favourite, ‘Long Distance Love’, sung by Ankan Kumar and Sheikh Mumtahina Mehjabin Afrin, stayed popular for an extended period. Composed by Shuvendu Das Shuvo, it enjoyed strong audience engagement.
Songs such as ‘Gulbahar’, written and composed by Ishan Majumdar and sung by Ishan and Shuvendu Das Shuvo, also remained in discussion throughout the year.
Despite these creative highs, the music industry faced serious setbacks. Attacks on Baul artistes and the repeated cancellation of concerts marked some of the darkest moments of the year. Pakistani singer Atif Aslam’s scheduled concert in Dhaka was postponed due to security concerns, while performances by James and Pakistan’s Ali Azmat were also called off on November 14 for similar reasons.
At least 10 concerts were cancelled in December alone. James was unable to perform at his Faridpur concert on December 26 following vandalism and violence. Several overseas concerts featuring Bangladeshi artistes were also cancelled one after another.
Even so, amid disruption and uncertainty, music in 2025 continued to offer glimpses of resilience and creative promise.
