The Joy Bangla concert, commemorating the historic March 7 speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, commenced at Chittagong's MA Aziz Stadium at 3pm on Thursday.
The concert showcased a total of nine bands — Artcell, Cryptic Fate, Avoid Rafa, Nemesis, Chirkutt, Meghdol, Lalon, Chittagong's own Tirondaz, Carnival.
Kicking off the event, local band Tirondaz took to the stage around 3pm, delivering a series of popular songs over the span of approximately 25 minutes, including a song from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra.
Following their performance, the band Carnival performed at 3:40pm, with a 30-minute set before making way for the next act. Meghdol and Avoid Rafa graced the stage at around 4:30pm and 5:20pm, respectively, each offering 30 minutes of performance.
Later in the evening, at around 6:15pm, Lalon performed, followed by Cryptic Fate at 7:40pm and Nemesis at 8:35pm, with Chirkutt scheduled at 9:35pm, and finally, Artcell at 10:35pm. Each band was slated to entertain the crowd for about 45 minutes.
This year's Joy Bangla Concert not only celebrated the enduring legacy of Bangabandhu's March 7 speech, recognized as one of the greatest speeches globally, but also reinforced the "Joy Bangla" slogan that unified the people in their struggle for independence in 1971.
Adding to the fervour, Bangabandhu's grandson and Trustee of the Centre for Research and Information (CRI), Radwan Mujib Siddiq, joined the vibrant crowd at the MA Aziz Stadium to enjoy the concert alongside the nation's youth.
Radwan Mujib Siddiq's initiatives, such as the graphic novel "Mujib," have played a significant role in introducing the life and legacy of Bangabandhu to children and youths. He is also behind popular initiatives such as the "Joy Bangla Youth Award," which acknowledges and celebrates the contributions of young individuals towards nation-building.
Moreover, his involvement in the production of the docudrama "Hasina: A Daughter's Tale" sheds light on the struggles faced by Bangabandhu's daughters following his assassination, further enriching the political narrative of Bangladesh's history.
Previously held at Dhaka's Army Stadium, this year marks the first instance of the Joy Bangla Concert being organized outside Dhaka, in Chittagong. The concert, orchestrated by the Centre for Research and Information (CRI) through its youth platform Young Bangla, aims to connect the current generation with the historic significance of this day.
Anticipation had been building even before the registration opened, with slots filling up within half an hour, showcasing the young generation's enthusiasm for the concert. Fans expressed their eagerness to attend by sharing various promotional materials, band statements, and posters from Young Bangla and CRI's pages.
Organizers have ensured special entry arrangements for women to make the concert a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Complete preparations have been made for the audience to enjoy the concert securely and comfortably, including the setup of the stage the day before the concert. Artists rehearsed with their songs, complemented by dazzling light shows and the resonant sounds of guitars and drums, promising an unforgettable experience.
The Joy Bangla Concert celebrates Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's speech, recognized as one of the greatest speeches globally, and the unifying slogan "Joy Bangla" that galvanized the nation in 1971.
