Big bands withdraw from biggest Bangladeshi concert
Since its inception in 2015, the 'Joy Bangla Concert' has been the largest musical platform of the year for both fans and performers. It has always been held at the biggest open-air venues, drawing the largest crowds and featuring the top bands in the country.
However, as of yesterday, several of the nation's leading bands, who were regulars at this concert, have decided to withdraw and announced they will no longer perform at the show.
At the time of writing, bands like Cryptic Fate, Nemesis, Arbovirus and Bangla Five have all announced on social media that they will never perform at the Joy Bangla Concert again due to recent violence and atrocities.
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Shakib Chowdhury of Cryptic Fate explained, "We are humans first, musicians second. The recent violence and unjust activities are against humanity. No apology or promise of justice has been made. We are distressed and unable to perform. How can we even think about playing at a concert during these dire straits?"
Shakib also mentioned that their music has always been about righteousness, fighting injustice, and reflecting the spirit of the Liberation War.
"Our songs have always resonated with students from different generations. We cannot remain silent when these very students are being attacked," he added.
Zohad Reza Chowdhury, representing rock band Nemesis, stated that opting out of the concert is also their form of protest.
"What the country and all of us have gone through in the last two weeks is the worst I've experienced. I have no words for this. There are bigger issues at stake currently than just a future concert. Even though the concert is always based around the spirit of our Liberation War and the 7th March speech, currently, it was a humane decision to choose not to perform," said Zohad.
Suharto Sherif of Arbovirus says he feels helpless due to the injustice and the way students have been treated and dealt with.
"We honestly have no intention of performing in the wake of all that has been going on. This is our stance and this is how we want to protest against the unjust actions," he said.
