Echoes of revolution: A night of unity, music, remembrance

Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan yesterday performed at the “Echoes of Revolution” concert, a charity event aimed at raising funds for families of martyrs and those injured during the July uprising.

The legendary musician waived his fees for the event so that all proceeds from ticket sales are donated to the Shaheed July Smriti Foundation, which is providing financial support to the affected families.

The programme was organised at the capital’s Army Stadium by the “Spirits of July” platform.

The stellar line-up included prominent Bangladeshi bands such as Artcell, Chirkutt, and Aftermath, alongside the Qawwali group Silsila and rap artists Shezan and Hannan.

The concert, hosted by Dipty Chowdhury and Zulhaj Zubair, was further enriched with a graffiti exhibition on the July Revolution, stage dramas, and the Mugdha Water Zone.

The gates opened at 2:30pm, and the event ran from 4:00pm to 11:00pm.

Qawwali band Silsila opened the show with a soulful performance, after which rappers Hannan and Shezan energised the crowd with songs like “Kotha Ko”, “Risk”, and “Din Bodol”.

Logistical issues slightly dampened the experience, and our photojournalists even reported restricted access to media and criticised the inadequate sound system at the venue.

However, the crowd’s enthusiasm remained undeterred.

Aftermath Bangladesh took to the stage next, delivering powerful performances, including tracks like “Odhikar”, “Utshorgo”, and “Hoongkar”.

Around 6:30pm, popular band Chirkutt captivated the audience with a stirring instrumental rendition of the “Amar Sonar Bangla” – the national anthem, followed by hits like “Ahare Jibon”, “Jadur Shohor”, and “Na Bujhi Duniya”. Lead vocalist Sharmin Sultana Sumi’s heartfelt performance brought an emotional depth to their performance.

Notably, the concert’s atmosphere faced challenges, with reports of open sales of tobacco and certain terms and conditions not being enforced.

The highlight of the evening was Artcell’s performance, beginning at 8:30pm with their timeless song “Poth Chola”.

Vocalist George Lincoln D’Costa and bandmate Sumon paid tribute to the July martyrs with renditions of “Maago Tomar Bhabna Keno” and “Teer Hara Ei Dheuer Shagor”, resonating deeply with the audience. They also performed iconic songs “Oniket Prantor”, “Dhushor Shomoy”, and “Dukkho Bilash”.

After that, four advisers took to the stage along with Syed Ahmed Maroof, the Pakistani high commissioner to Dhaka, who expressed his satisfaction with the event.

“I am overwhelmed by this wonderful concert and the crowd’s energy. ‘Ami tomake onek beshi bhalobashi Bangladesh [I love you very much, Bangladesh]’.”

Farida Akhter, adviser to the fisheries and livestock ministry, said, “The martyrs gave their lives to give us a new Bangladesh. Justice for their sacrifices must be achieved; our war is not over.”

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud, reflected on the significance of the event.

“In 2021, as a member of Silsila, we performed Qawwali at TSC amidst attacks by the fascist regime’s student organisation. Today, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s presence on this stage symbolises how far we’ve come. Let us honour the wounded and martyrs by building the Bangladesh they dreamt of — a nation of hope and freedom.”

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan took the stage at 9:50pm.

“Bangladesh, ami tomake bhalobashi [I love you Bangladesh]. Dear brothers and sisters, I am from Pakistan, and we are here to bring love and peace to you all,” he said as he graced the floor.

The musician opened with the soulful “Tuna Jane Asma Se Khuda” from the film “Anjaana Anjaani”.

He later introduced his son, Shazmaan Khan, who performed a selection of classics by the legendary Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Continuing with “Sanu Ek Pal Chain” followed by “Nit Khair Mangda” from the film “Raid”, “Ore Priya Re” from the film “Aaja Nachle”, and “Zaroori Tha”, “Mere Rashke Qamar”.

Rahat mesmerised the audience with a heartfelt performance of his timeless hits, evoking both nostalgia and excitement.

The “Echoes of Revolution” concert was not just a musical celebration but a powerful reminder of unity and resilience, paying tribute to the sacrifices that continue to shape Bangladesh’s journey towards a brighter future.