Bangladesh emerged as a sovereign state on December 16, 1971, following a nine-month-long Liberation War. This year, the nation celebrates Victory Day with renewed fervour, especially after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime on August 5, 2024.  

As part of the annual Victory Month celebrations, an open-air concert, titled “Shobar Agey Bangladesh” (Bangladesh First), has just kicked off in the capital. Held at Manik Mia Avenue, the event is set to run till 11pm today (December 16), bringing together some of the country’s most celebrated artistes and performers.

Amitabh Bachchan expressed his sorrow on his blog, calling Hussain “a genius, an unmatched maestro… an immeasurable loss.” Kamal Haasan shared a personal memory, posting an image of himself playing tabla with Hussain. “Zakir Bhai! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and thank you,” Haasan wrote.

This year, the Victory Day feels particularly significant due to this year’s powerful uprising. To commemorate this special day, here are some events to help you embrace the spirit of patriotism. 

Legendary tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain has passed away at a hospital in San Francisco, his family announced on Monday. 

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Renowned Rabindra Sangeet exponent Rezwana Choudhury Bannya recalled her first meeting with Papia Sarwar in 1975. At the time, Papia—then known as Papia Rahman—was a third-year student at Sangit Bhavana (Institute of Dance, Drama, and Music) at Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, where Bannya had just begun her musical journey.

Swift, who has shaped much of the year’s music landscape, achieved a landmark in her career with wins that included Top Streaming Songs Artist and Top Billboard Global 200 Artist. Meanwhile, Zach Bryan continued his meteoric rise in the music industry, securing five wins, including Top Country Touring Artist and Top Rock Artist. Morgan Wallen followed closely with four awards, and genre-defining acts like Bad Bunny, Drake, Elevation Worship, and Shaboozey picked up three each.

Papia Sarwar, renowned Rabindra Sangeet exponent and Ekushey Padak laureate, passed away at a private hospital in Dhaka yesterday. She was 72.

The song, penned by Shomeshwar Oli and composed by Sajid Sarker, had more than 6 million views on Youtube

Jon Kabir, a name synonymous with Bangla rock, first rose to fame as the frontman for Black in the early 2000s. After leaving Black to form Indalo, he embraced a new musical direction

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco have taken their relationship to the next level, announcing their engagement to the delight of fans.

The broadcast of Gaan Bangla Television has been suspended. Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited has decided to halt the broadcast due to unpaid satellite fees. 

Ekushey Padak-winning Rabindra Sangeet artiste Papia Sarwar has been placed on ventilator support due to a deterioration in her physical condition. 

Each year, a range of programmes are organised to commemorate the Month of Victory, and this year is no different. To celebrate Victory Day, an open-air concert has been scheduled in the capital, featuring James alongside some of the country’s most renowned artistes.

Joy Shahriar added, "It's been a while since I've performed at the EMK Centre in a fully acoustic arrangement. I’m excited to debut some songs from my new album at this concert. I hope everyone will enjoy a delightful evening filled with music."

Acharya, a legend in Chattogram’s vibrant music scene, took his final breath at a hospital in Chattogram on Monday evening. His sister, fellow musician Geeta Acharya, confirmed the news, stating, “We admitted him in the morning after a brain haemorrhage, but he left us in the evening.” He is survived by his wife, three daughters, and a community that cherishes his music.

Taylor Swift has recently concluded her “Eras Tour” which generated over US $2 billion. The “Shake it Off” singer decided to give a special surprise for her cast and crew members by handing out US $197 million as bonuses to tour members on top of their regular salaries, according to People magazine.