A large crowd of music lovers gathered at Manik Mia Avenue on Saturday to enjoy ‘Concert for Solidarity’, organised to mark the National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
Organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and managed by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the open-air concert was held with support from the Bangladesh Musical Bands Association (BAMBA).
Although visitors started arriving in the morning, the crowd began swelling in the afternoon. People turned up with friends and family members to enjoy live performances by their favourite bands.
Following a rally organised by the BNP, the concert venue turned into a sea of people, with music enthusiasts of different age groups eagerly waiting for the performances.
Seven popular Bangladeshi bands performed at the concert, including Nagar Baul James, Miles, Warfaze, Feedback, Artcell, Shironamhin and Mechanics. The musical event began at 4 pm, with entry open to all.
Monzur Hasan, who came from Mirpur to attend the concert, said it was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy performances by so many popular bands on the same stage.
“I am particularly looking forward to listening to James and Miles live,” he said.
Naila Mariam, a young visitor, said young people have always shown strong interest in Bangladeshi band music, adding that such initiatives would help introduce the next generation to the country's homegrown music scene.
“Being able to enjoy performances by favourite bands live is a completely different experience,” she said.
Many visitors expressed excitement, particularly over the opportunity to watch James, Miles and Warfaze perform live. Several also thanked the Ministry of Cultural Affairs for arranging the open-air concert on the occasion of the historic day, while calling for more such initiatives.
Nagar Baul James took the stage as the final act of the concert, bringing the seven-band musical event to a close. His performance was among the most anticipated attractions of the evening, drawing enthusiastic responses from the audience.
Meanwhile, security measures were tightened around the concert venue, with additional police personnel deployed at the site and surrounding areas. Police were seen on duty to ensure the safety of visitors and maintain law and order throughout the event.