Atif rejoins to rewrite the Conclusion

The days and weeks before a big solo show for a band are always a little messy—but not in a bad way. Think of it as the kind of chaos that comes with too much caffeine and not enough sleep. Most local bands here don't exactly have armies of roadies or production crews, so everything from fine-tuning the setlist to figuring out the lighting design and even who's ordering snacks off of Foodpanda—falls squarely on the band members' shoulders.

So, it wasn't shocking (or sacrilegious) when a visibly drained Hasan Munhamanna, current frontman of Conclusion, started venting in the studio's common room. The band was knee-deep in rehearsals, trying to perfect a 30-song setlist for their massive 15-year reunion show on Saturday. 

He sighed that he "can't wait to get done with the show." Not because he wasn't excited, but because the whole process had been delightfully exhausting paired with the fact that he was really looking forward to the after party. Still, he laughed it off, stealing a quick breather amid the practice sessions on Thursday evening.

Between jokes,and guest performers dropping in—like Raef Al Hasan Rafa and a few other familiar faces from the rock circuit, someone quietly slipped into the room— Atif Imtiaz, former Conclusion vocalist, looking like he had just battled and won a war with Dhaka traffic.

Now, everyone knew Conclusion had been hyping their reunion as a "family affair," promising appearances from all past and present members. But something about Atif's quiet presence felt… different. Permanent, even. And turns out, it was.

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Maybe we'll do singles—one led by me, one by Munhamanna. Or maybe we'll share a song together. There's no compulsion that one has to be the 'main character'."

Atif Imtiaz, Conclusion

The band confirmed the news that fans would welcome with wide open arms—Atif Imtiaz has officially rejoined Conclusion. The prodigal vocalist is home again, and the band that quietly ushered like a juggernaut in Bangladesh's modern rock scene is whole once more.

"I want to be a part of this 'family' for the rest of my life anyway. Since I can finally make more time for the band now—why not?" quipped Atif .

Photo: Mehedi Hasan

Everyone in Conclusion has their own version of why Atif left the band a few years back. None of them stray too far from the truth, but we wanted to hear it straight from the man himself. We didn't pry too deep as it's one of those stories that doesn't need a full post-mortem but to put it in simple terms, it was personal.

"It was just… life, honestly," Atif shrugged. "I was younger then—fresh out of university, trying to figure things out. My priorities were different. I wanted to explore other things. And now," he said, pausing for a moment before adding, "the priorities have changed."

It wasn't said dramatically or with any trace of regret. It was more like someone who had come full circle, quietly realising that some parts of your past never really stop being home.

Now, this is where things get really interesting. For a pop-rock/soft rock band like Conclusion, having two lead vocalists is quite a predicament not just logistically, but creatively. Both Atif and Munhamanna have distinctly different voices, almost like two colours from opposite ends of the palette. But instead of clashing, the band insists they've found harmony in the contrast.

"During rehearsals, we realised our voices actually complement each other really well," said Hasan Munhamanna in an earlier chat with TBS. "Atif's lower-pitched tone blends with mine and sits on top quite nicely."

Atif agreed, adding his own take with his trademark laid-back charm. "Yeah, our voices are pretty different, but that's the beauty of it. Each has its own character and its own sonic identity," he said. "They sound beautiful in their own individual ways."

Of course, trading verses live on stage for one show is one thing; figuring out how to balance two lead vocalists in the studio for future tracks and albums is an entirely different ball game. But Atif isn't overthinking it. 

"Conclusion has had its fair share of lineup changes over the years," he said. "We've learnt to adapt. When you understand how to adjust to new musicians, everything just falls into place."

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Maybe we'll do singles—one led by me, one by Munhamanna. Or maybe we'll share a song together. There's no compulsion that one has to be the 'main character'."

It's a refreshing take. No egos, no hierarchies—just two voices, old friends, and a band rediscovering what made them click in the first place.

And speaking of new songs, because what's a reunion without a little fresh music, Conclusion recently dropped a brand new track titled 'Nite Paro' just this past week.

It's a romantic tune in the truest sense of the word: simple, heartfelt, and dripping with that warm, feel-good energy that comes with being hopelessly smitten. The song paints a picture of someone opening up to their beloved—confessing feelings, seeking comfort, and celebrating the joy of having someone who makes even the gloomiest days feel brighter. Think of it as that 'early stage of love' soundtrack.

"I don't think it gets any more pop rock prem-er gaan than this," laughed Hasan Munhamanna, who wrote the lyrics himself.

Interestingly, 'Nite Paro' has been quietly brewing for nearly two years. Hasan came up with the chorus and most of the lyrics in a single burst of inspiration during one long writing session—and apparently wrapped up the first half of the song in just twenty minutes. The band finally dusted it off, polished it up, and gave it a new life right in time for the reunion.

Musically, it's got that trademark Conclusion flair—a catchy pop-rock rhythm with a funky groove underneath, balancing sweetness with swagger. It's the kind of song that makes you want to smile, maybe text your crush, and hum along without even realising it.