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A united chorus of ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu’ after March 7 speech airs at Ctg’s MA Aziz Stadium
For the first time outside Dhaka, the Joy Bangla Concert is being held in the port city of Chattogram at the MA Aziz Stadium, echoing the spirits of unity and remembrance. The evening showcased a colorful video of the historic March 7, 1971, speech by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, captivating the young generation once more with his powerful words.
As Bangabandhu's speech concluded, the sky above was lit with an array of fireworks. Following this vibrant display, all attendees, in unison with the concert's host, proclaimed, "Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu," filling the air with a sense of patriotism and pride.
Joy Bangla Concert 2024: Ctg’s MA Aziz Stadium transforms into a sea of youths
The concert commenced at 3 pm on Thursday, featuring a lineup of nine local bands: Artcell, Cryptic Fate, Nemesis, Chirkutt, Meghdol, Lalon, Avoid Rafa, Chattogram's own Tirondaz, and Carnival. This marked a significant shift from the concert's traditional venue, aiming to connect the current generation with the historic significance of this day.
Avoid Rafa took the stage at around 5:20 pm, thrilling the audience with their rendition of the national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's song "Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam," a rallying cry broadcasted during the Liberation War from the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra. Following their opening number, the band continued to energize the crowd with a series of their most popular songs.
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.
Joy Bangla Concert 2024 kickstarts in Chattogram with Tirondaz taking the stage
Adding to the fervor, Bangabandhu's grandson and Trustee of the Center 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.
Ctg set for a historic March 7 celebration as gates open to Joy Bangla Concert 2024
12 people honoured with Dhaka Cultural Organization’s 'Success Award-2024'
The Dhaka Cultural Organization hosted the 'Success Award-2024' ceremony to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of individuals across various sectors, including film, music, journalism, and business.
Former Army Chief Lieutenant General (Retd) Mohammed Harun-Ar-Rashid inaugurated the programme on Tuesday night (March 5) by presenting the lifetime achievement award to noted film actress Anjana Sultana, recognising her contribution to the Bangladesh film industry.
UNB's Special Correspondent Muhammed Abdur Rahman Jahangir was honoured as one of the recipients of the 'Success Award-2024' for his significant contributions to journalism in Bangladesh spanning nearly two decades. He was presented the award by actress Anjana Sultana and popular film actor Joy Chowdhury.
Joy Bangla Concert 2024: Final preparations underway for music fest in Port City
In celebration of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s
historic March 7 speech, Chattogram is set to host Joy Bangla Concert 2024 tomorrow. This event, eagerly anticipated by organisers and music lovers alike, marks a first for the port city, transitioning from its traditional venue in Dhaka's Army Stadium.
Under the supervision of the Chattogram district administration and the Metropolitan Police (CMP), the MA Aziz Stadium is being prepared to welcome the crowds and artists for this grand musical event. The preparations are in their final stages, ensuring a seamless experience for the attendees.
This year's concert lineup includes renowned bands such as Artcell, Nemesis, Chirkutt, among others, promising a memorable experience for music enthusiasts.
For the first time in its history, the Joy Bangla Concert will take place outside Dhaka, in response to the long-standing requests from the youth for a concert in their region. This move to Chattogram’s MA Aziz Stadium has been warmly received, with local youths expressing their anticipation and excitement for the event.
Young Bangla has made a unique call for registrations in the local Chatgaiyya dialect, inviting attendees to sign up for free through their official Facebook page or website: https://ticket.youngbangla.org/
Registration requires national identification, passport or birth certificate details, along with contact information.
Tonmoy Ahmed, coordinator of Awami League's web team, highlighted the significance of the concert being held in Chattogram on March 7, 2024, fulfilling the youth's desire for an event in their city. Young Bangla's promotional activities and official announcements have successfully drummed up enthusiasm among the youth, promising an event filled with passion and national pride.
Since its inception in 2015, the Joy Bangla Concert has been a pivotal platform for youth engagement and celebration of Bangladesh's rich cultural heritage, organised by the Center for Research and Information (CRI).
Despite a hiatus during the 2021-2022 pandemic, the concert's return symbolised a resurgence of national spirit and unity under the "Joy Bangla" slogan, echoing the call for unity from the Liberation War era.
Music lovers enamoured by the accompaniment of Santoor and Tabla by Indian artists
Rewaz Performing and Arts Society and Bangladesh Jute Research Institute presented a unique night of music on Saturday (March 2) at the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, organizing an enthralling session of Santoor and Tabla.
At the event, Santoor and Tabla accompaniment was performed by two young talented artists from India - Anannya Bagh and Rahul Chatterjee.
The audience who joined the event was immersed in the magic of the melody of Anyanya Bagh's Santoor and Rahul Chatterjee's Tabla accompaniment, drifting the music lovers into a whole new world.
Md Abdul Awal, Director General of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute was present as the chief guest on this musical night, which was also joined by Shaheen Samad, the Ekushey Padak winner music artist and freedom fighter, as the special guest.
Professor Dr AHM Mostafizur Rahman, Advisor of Rewaz Performing and Arts Society and former teacher of Dhaka University delivered the welcome speech at the event.
“Rewaz Performing and Arts Society always wants the development of music practice in the country. We are organizing this event to encourage those involved in the classical music practice of the country and to exchange ideas and experiences between the artists of the two countries,” Dr AHM Mostafizur Rahman said.
Santoor is a popular stringed instrument used in classical music and a famous local musical instrument of Jammu and Kashmir, India; but it originally came from Persia. Although this instrument is very popular in India, the practice of santoor is very few in Bangladesh.
“This particular instrument is practised by very few people, among them women artists are even less. Anyanya Bagh is one of the few artists who are currently practising santoor in the subcontinent, and Rahul Chatterjee is one of India's brightest stars who is known for his unique playing style,” he added.
Md Abdul Awal, Director General of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute thanked Rewaz Performing and Arts Society for joining them in organizing the event. He reiterated his commitment to continue any cooperation to encourage music practice in the future.
Shaheen Samad expressed his admiration for Santoor and Tabla's accompaniment and praised Rewaz Performing and Arts Society for playing a significant role in the cultural scene of the country.
Tecno Spark 20 Series Music Fest enthrals Dhaka crowd
Tecno Spark 20 Series Music Fest, organized by WebAble Digital, has recently electrified the ICCB Expo Zone in the capital with an unforgettable night of music and entertainment.
The event, held on Friday, March 1st, brought together music enthusiasts from across the region for an evening of stellar performances by some of the most renowned artists.
Headlining the event was the Indian sensation Badshah, whose energetic performance captivated the audience and set the stage on fire. Joining him were acclaimed Bangladeshi artists Fuad & Friends, Pritom Hasan, Xefer, Sanjoy, and Blackzang, who each delivered electrifying sets, showcasing their immense talent.
The venue buzzed with excitement as attendees packed the ICCB Expo Zone to capacity, creating an electric atmosphere that pulsated with energy throughout the night. Despite the large turnout, security measures were meticulously implemented, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
The event concluded on a high note, with attendees raving about the outstanding performances and seamless organization. From start to finish, the Tecno Spark 20 Series Music Fest delivered an unforgettable experience that will be remembered for years to come.
The organizer of the event, WebAble Digital, is a leading digital marketing agency committed to creating impactful experiences and driving meaningful connections through innovative digital solutions. With a focus on creativity, technology, and data-driven strategies, WebAble Digital empowers brands to reach their full potential in the digital landscape.
Tycoons, heads of state, Hollywood and Bollywood stars show up as Asia’s richest man celebrates son’s wedding
What happens when the son of Asia's richest man is about to get married?
His father throws a three-day prenuptial bash four months before the actual ceremony.
Tycoons from around the world, heads of state, as well as Hollywood and Bollywood stars descended on the small western Indian city of Jamnagar on Friday where billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani is kickstarting a big fat wedding celebration for his youngest son.
The nearly 1,200-person guest list includes pop superstar Rihanna, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Sunder Picha, Ivanka Trump and Bollywood celebrity Shah Rukh Khan.
Iris Apfel, fashion icon known for her eye-catching style, dies at 102
All eyes are on Anant Ambani, 28, and his long-time girlfriend Radhika Merchant, 29, who will tie the know in July. Radhika is the daughter of Viren Merchant, CEO of Encore Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., and entrepreneur Shaila Merchant.
Such festivities keep up with the Ambani family's tradition of lavish and over-the-top parties while displaying the Indian billionaire’s economic and political clout
Here is everything you need to know about the family and the prenuptial bash that captivated the country.
Who is Mukesh Ambani?Mukesh Ambani, 66, is currently the world’s 10th richest man with a net worth of $115bn, according to Forbes. He is also the richest person in Asia.
His Reliance Industries is a massive conglomerate, reporting over $100 billion in annual revenue, with interests ranging from petrochemicals, and oil and gas to telecoms and retail.
Under Ambani’s leadership, Reliance — founded by his father in 1966 — sparked a telecom price war with the launch of the 4G phone and broadband service Jio in 2016. Today, it has more than 420 million subscribers and offers 5G services. Earlier this week, Disney struck an $8.5bn deal to merge its India business with Ambani’s Reliance Industries, forming a new media giant.
The Ambani family owns, among other assets, a 27-storey private apartment building, named Antila, worth $1 billion in Mumbai. It has three helipads, a 160-car garage, a private movie theatre, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.
Ambani’s critics say his company has flourished mainly because of political connections during the Congress governments in the 1970s and 80s and subsequently under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule after 2014. They say “crony capitalism” in India has helped certain corporations, such as Ambani's, thrive.
Mukesh Ambani, 66, has started passing the torch to his two sons and daughter. The oldest son, Akash Ambani, is now chairperson of Reliance Jio; his daughter, Isha, oversees retail; and the youngest, Anant — who will wed in July— has been inducted into the new energy business.
Iris Apfel, fashion icon known for her eye-catching style, dies at 102
Iris Apfel, a textile expert, interior designer and fashion celebrity known for her eccentric style, has died. She was 102.
Her death was confirmed by her commercial agent, Lori Sale, who called Apfel “extraordinary.” No cause of death was given. It was also announced on her verified Instagram page on Friday, which a day earlier had celebrated that Leap Day represented her 102nd-and-a-half birthday.
Born Aug. 29, 1921, Apfel was famous for her irreverent, eye-catching outfits, mixing haute couture and oversized costume jewelry. A classic Apfel look would, for instance, pair a feather boa with strands of chunky beads, bangles and a jacket decorated with Native American beadwork.
With her big, round, black-rimmed glasses, bright red lipstick and short white hair, she stood out at every fashion show she attended.
Her style was the subject of museum exhibits and a documentary film, "Iris," directed by Albert Maysles.
“I'm not pretty, and I'll never be pretty, but it doesn't matter,” she once said. “I have something much better. I have style."
Apfel enjoyed late-in-life fame on social media, amassing nearly 3 million followers on Instagram, where her profile declares: “More is more & Less is a Bore.” On TikTok, she drew 215,000 followers as she waxed wise on things fashion and style and promoted recent collaborations.
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“Being stylish and being fashionable are two entirely different things," she said in one TikTok video. “You can easily buy your way into being fashionable. Style, I think is in your DNA. It implies originality and courage.”
She never retired, telling “Today”: "I think retiring at any age is a fate worse than death. Just because a number comes up doesn’t mean you have to stop.”
“Working alongside her was the honor of a lifetime. I will miss her daily calls, always greeted with the familiar question: “What have you got for me today?,” Sale said in a statement. “Testament to her insatiable desire to work. She was a visionary in every sense of the word. She saw the world through a unique lens – one adorned with giant, distinctive spectacles that sat atop her nose.”
Apfel was an expert on textiles and antique fabrics. She and her husband Carl owned a textile manufacturing company, Old World Weavers, and specialized in restoration work, including projects at the White House under six different U.S. presidents. Apfel’s celebrity clients included Estee Lauder and Greta Garbo.
Apfel’s own fame blew up in 2005 when the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City hosted a show about her called “Rara Avis,” Latin for “rare bird.” The museum described her style as “both witty and exuberantly idiosyncratic.
Her originality is typically revealed in her mixing of high and low fashions — Dior haute couture with flea market finds, 19th-century ecclesiastical vestments with Dolce & Gabbana lizard trousers.” The museum said her “layered combinations” defied “aesthetic conventions” and “even at their most extreme and baroque” represented a “boldly graphic modernity.”
The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, was one of several museums around the country that hosted a traveling version of the show. Apfel later decided to donate hundreds of pieces to the Peabody — including couture gowns — to help them build what she termed “a fabulous fashion collection.” The Museum of Fashion & Lifestyle near Apfel’s winter home in Palm Beach, Florida, also plans a gallery dedicated to displaying items from Apfel’s collection.
Apfel was born in New York City to Samuel and Sadye Barrel. Her mother owned a boutique.
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Apfel’s fame in her later years included appearances in ads for brands like M.A.C. cosmetics and Kate Spade. She also designed a line of accessories and jewelry for Home Shopping Network, collaborated with H&M on a sold-out-in-minutes collection of brightly-colored apparel, jewelry and shoes, put out a makeup line with Ciaté London, an eyeglass collection with Zenni and partnered with Ruggable on floor coverings.
In a 2017 interview with AP at age 95, she said her favorite contemporary designers included Ralph Rucci, Isabel Toledo and Naeem Khan, but added: "I have so much, I don't go looking." Asked for her fashion advice, she said: "Everybody should find her own way. I'm a great one for individuality. I don't like trends. If you get to learn who you are and what you look like and what you can handle, you'll know what to do."
She called herself the “accidental icon,” which became the title of a book she published in 2018 filled with her mementos and style musings. Odes to Apfel are abundant, from a Barbie in her likeness to T-shirts, glasses, artwork and dolls.
Apfel’s husband died in 2015. They had no children.
Indian Ghazal legend Pankaj Udhas passes away
Pankaj Udhas, the subcontinent’s one of the most popular ghazal and playback singers, breathed his last at 72 on Monday.
The Padma Shri-famed singer’s family said that he died around 11 am at the Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai, reported by the Indian media outlets.
Pankaj Udhas' daughter Nayaab Udhas shared a statement on Instagram, stating, “With a heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness.”
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Fans and admirers of the eminent singer flooded social media with condolences after the news of his passing. His family sources informed Indian media outlets that his final rites will be held on Tuesday.
Pankaj Udhas was born in Jetpur, Gujarat on May 17, 1951 to Keshubhai Udhas and Jituben Udhas.
His most well-known songs are "Chitthi Aayi Hai" from Mahesh Bhatt's 1986 crime thriller "Naam," "Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera" from Pravin Bhatt's 1998 film ‘Ek Hi Maqsad,” "Aaj Phir Tumpe" from Feroz Khan's 1988 action thriller "Dayavan," "Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise" from Lawrence D'Souza's 1991 romantic film "Saajan," and "Chhupana Bhi Nahi Aata" from Abbas-Mustan's 1993 revenge thriller "Baazigar," among other notable tracks.
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His ghazal career includes reputed albums like ‘Aahat’ (1980) and tracks like “Na Kajre Ki Dhaar,” “Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein,” “Ek Taraf Uska Ghar,” and “Thodi Thodi Piya Karo.” He is also widely revered by the listeners of Bengal for his famous Bangla ghazals and modern songs including “Bhalobasha,” “Chokh Tar Chorabali,” “Ami Tomay Niye” and more, from the 1989 album ‘Bhalobasha.’
For his majestic contribution to the art of Ghazal and the Indian music industry, Pankaj Udhas received the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award of the Republic of India, in 2006.
Joy Bangla Concert coming to Port City
This year's must-attend musical fiesta for the youth, the Joy Bangla Concert, is taking a groundbreaking leap by stepping outside Dhaka for the first time, promising an array of surprises.
Young Bangla, the nation's largest youth network, sparked a social media frenzy with its announcement, revealing Chattogram as the new host city to the delight of eager fans.
The buzz began with a simple yet compelling Facebook post: "Coming to Chattogram." Shared by Young Bangla and CRI, the announcement has since been echoed across social platforms by hundreds of enthusiastic fans, reminiscing over the concert's past glories.
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Set to light up the MA Aziz Stadium, this year's concert aims to resurrect the spirit of Bangabandhu's historic March 7 speech, featuring a blend of iconic and up-and-coming rock bands ready to rock the audience.
Since its inception in 2015, the Joy Bangla Concert has quickly ascended to the pinnacle of musical celebrations, captivating the youth and setting a new benchmark for musical gatherings.
After a brief intermission due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the concert made a triumphant return in 2023.
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What sets this concert apart is its dedication to reliving the pivotal moments leading to the 1971 Liberation War, offering not just music but a journey through history.
A university student's Facebook post captured the anticipation: "I had the time of my life at the last concert and cherished every moment. I'm planning my trip to Chattogram already because missing this year's edition is simply not an option."
Earth360° Festival sheds spotlight on 'Rivers and Riverine Lives'
Earth360° Festival, an annual art festival that uses visual storytelling to raise environmental awareness and inspire actions for a sustainable future, is currently ongoing at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro (BSK) in the capital.
Inaugurated on February 17, the four-day event is organised by Bangladesh Youth Environmental Initiative (BYEI), an environmental non-profit, in partnership with the US Embassy in Dhaka.
This year, Earth360° Festival is themed on “Rivers and Riverine Lives” to showcase a variety of stories about the country's rivers and river-dependent lives.
James Gardiner, Economic Officer at the US Embassy Dhaka and Bangladesh Youth Environmental Initiative (BYEI) founder Shamir Shehab graced the opening ceremony as guests.
The opening ceremony on Saturday was followed by the first Earth360 dialogue on ‘Artists with Conscience’, in which cartoonist and editor of Unmad Ahsan Habib, artist Wakilur Rahman, political cartoonist Mehedi Haque discussed and engaged with the audience on the transformative power of art in championing social and environmental causes.
BYEI is an environmental non-profit organisation that has been working on environment, nature and climate change issues with youth and children to develop the next generation of planetary stewards since 2009 and regularly organises various programmes.
This festival features photography and digital art exhibition, film shows, and dialogues sparking debates, discussions and critical discourse focusing on river and river dependent lives of the Bengal delta.
On February 17, children from various schools of Dhaka participated in a drawing competition.
Today (February 19), a special screening of the critically acclaimed film titled 'Shunte Ki Pao! Are you listening!’ by renowned director Kamar Ahmad Simon will take place at the BSK screening hall.
Over 1200 submissions have been received in different categories for the official selection in the festival. A total of 70 photographs and digital arts are being displayed in the exhibition.