7th March is a historic day for Bangladesh. On this day in 1971 the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered a fiery speech to a gathering of over two million people at then Race Course Maidan, now known as the Suhrawardy Udyan.
That speech called on to the people to seek freedom, liberation and fight for their rights. At that time Bangladesh was under the rule of Pakistan, and the military rulers had refused to transfer the power to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, whose party Awami League gained the majority in the National Assembly of Pakistan in the general election held in 1970.
Eighteen days after the speech Bangladesh came under attack of the Pakistani Military. Bangladesh declared its independence and fought a 9-month long liberation war until Pakistan surrendered on 16th December 1971.
The roots of Bangladesh are strongly attached to the message of the speech and in 2017 UNESCO included Bangabandhu’s speech to the Memory of the World International Register, a list of world’s important documentary heritage maintained by UNESCO.
Joy Bangla Concert is a concert organised by Young Bangla – CRI on the 7th of March to celebrate the anniversary of the historical day. On 7th March 2018 Joy Bangla Concert’s fourth edition was held in Dhaka’s Army Stadium. This year’s line-up included Bangladesh’s leading bands Chirkutt, Powersurge, Arbovirus, Shunno, Nemesis, Cryptic Fate, Artcell and Lalon.
This was a free-to-enter event and people could receive passes upon registering to the website. The concert doors were open to the public from 1:30 onward and the show took place from 3:15 PM to 10:30 PM.
The music and fireworks brought life to the heart of the city, with a highly enthusiastic and dynamic young crowd rejoicing in the music. The concerts displayed images of Bangabandhu and showcased his speech, which reminded the crowd of the origins of their country and its history.
Joy Bangla concert unites the youth to celebrate their nation’s history and attaches them to one of their strongest cultural commodities, Music.
The bands performing in the concert have large fan bases, leaving no room for dull moments in the concert. The venue was filled with enthusiastic people, with the crowd chanting to their favourite tunes and creating a spectacular evening for everyone attending.
Location: Army Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Tickets and Information: http://ticket.youngbangla.org/
> Saraf Anika Chowdhury
Joy Bangla Concert Held to Celebrate the Anniversary of Bangabandhu’s 7th March Speech
Will You Support Our Work?
People turns to WhatsOn to understand what's goingOn? We have been empowering through hope & understanding for the last forty years. We’re an independent social enterprise & our journalism is powered by our supporters. Financial contributions from our readers allows us to keep our journalism free for all & to change the world for better. Please support us, with your donation - no matter how small. Your donation makes a real difference, it empowers our activist & academy, and engages wider community groups, & universities - connecting more people. WhatsOn is a change maker, let’s get our future back together!
