Dhaka, April 9 -- More than 200 Bangladeshi musicians plan to unite for a show of support for the Palestinian people who are facing oppression as part of this year’s Pohela Boishak parade. They will perform the well-known lyrics: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
The announcement was made during a press conference on Wednesday at the Seminar Room within the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). At the event, Cultural Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki provided insights into this year’s Chaitra Sangkranti and Pahela Baishakh celebrations, describing the effort as “a symbolic but significant act for promoting peace.”
Pahela Baishakh this year, we aim to show solidarity with the people of Palestine," stated Farooki. "Using music as our medium, we hope to convey our desire for a tranquil globe.
Notable figures from Bangladesh’s musical landscape and representatives from BAMBA (Bangladesh Musical Bands Association), such as Foad Nasser Babu from Feedback, Kazi Faisal Ahmed and George Lincoln D’Costa from Artcell, Tonmoy Tansen from Vikings, Nigar Sultana Sumi from Lalon, Pinky Chiran from the all-female group F-Minor, Prottoy from the Rangamati-based band Invocation, along with Shahan Kabondho who manages and writes lyrics for Dalchhut, were present at the press conference.
Farooki mentioned that more than 200 musicians, particularly guitarists, are anticipated to take part, and BAMBA is encouraging its member bands to join impromptu.
He appealed to the guitar players and percussionists in and around Dhaka to bring their instruments and join in both the celebration and the protest.
He encouraged all participants at the rally to bring a Palestinian flag, stating, "This year, the global community anticipates witnessing a fresh iteration of our Pahela Baishakh festivities in this newly inclusive Bangladesh. We think the parade featuring our band musicians will play a crucial role in this year’s celebration as nobody else has championed the cause of the marginalized Palestinians quite like them."
Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu, the lead singer of Warfaze, addressing BAMBA as well as the wider community of rock and band musicians, emphasized the significance of their involvement in this historical moment.
"Over the years, traditional celebrations like Chaitra Sankranti and Pahela Baishakh haven’t involved our band musicians. However, this year marks the first time that both the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy have extended an invitation to participate, and we feel immensely thankful for this opportunity," stated Tipu.
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He mentioned that BAMBA, along with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and the Cultural Affairs Ministry, will organize an impressive concert on April 13 to celebrate Chaitra Sankranti at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka city.
Tipu voiced worries about worldwide instability, particularly the horrors occurring in Palestine, and highlighted the unified message of harmony from the musicians participating this year in the Pahela Baishakh parade.
"We aspire for a peaceful world. This is why we are participating in the Baishakh parade and plan to sing together with hopes of a brighter tomorrow,"Tipu stated.